Lubricant compositions containing molybdenum for reduced pre-ignition in hydrogen fueled engines

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of reducing abnormal combustion events in a hydrogen fueled internal combustion engine (HICE) during operation of the engine. The method includes the steps of: a) providing to the HICE a lubricating oil composition including or resulting from the admixing of: i) a base oil having a KV100 of less than or equal to 12 cSt and included at greater than 50 wt. % of the composition and comprising a Group I base oil, a Group II base oil, a Group III base oil, a Group IV base oil, or combinations thereof; ii) at least one overbased metal containing detergent with a Total Base Number (KOH/g) greater than or equal to 9 and less than or equal to 500 and included at a treat level to deliver between 100 to 5000 ppm by weight of total metal and between 0.15 wt. % to 8.0 wt. % of total soap to the composition; iii) at least one molybdenum containing compound included at a treat level to deliver between 20 to 2000 ppm by weight of total molybdenum to the composition; and iv) the lubricating oil composition having a total sulfated ash of less than or equal to 2.0 wt. %, a total phosphorous level of less than or equal to 0.120 wt. %, and a SAE viscosity grade of 25W-X, 20W-X, 15W-X, 10W-X, 5W-X or 0W-X, where X represents any one of 8, 12, 16, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60; b) providing a fuel comprising hydrogen to the HICE; and c) combusting the fuel in the HICE. Also provided are a lubricating oil composition and a concentrate for use in a HICE to reduce the propensity for abnormal combustion events.