How Asco Pompe and Viking Pump Helped an Automotive Leader Tackle Extreme Oil Testing

When a world-leading automotive parts manufacturer needed to test a new experimental gearbox oil under extreme conditions, they turned to Asco Pompe and Viking Pump for a solution. What followed was a great example of collaboration, technical expertise, and trust in high-performance equipment.

The Challenge: Testing Oil in Harsh Conditions

The client’s R&D team was working on a synthetic gearbox oil designed to withstand rapid and extreme temperature changes. But testing this oil wasn’t straightforward. Since it was an experimental formula, there were no known values for how thick or thin (viscous) the oil would be at different temperatures.

This created several challenges:

• Unknown viscosity at low temperatures: If the oil became too thick, the pump might need to generate over 20 bar of pressure—about 290 psi—to move it.
• Seal performance concerns: The mechanical seal in the pump was rated for oils up to 3300 centipoise (cP), but it was unclear if the oil would exceed that.
• High-temperature behavior: At 150°C (302°F), the oil would be at its thinnest, possibly affecting the pressure needed to pump it.
• Pump speed risks: If the oil thickened too much, the pump might have to work too fast, risking damage or inefficiency.

The Test: From -40°C to +150°C

The testing process was intense. The oil had to endure temperature swings from -40°C to +150°C (that’s -40°F to 302°F), with changes as fast as 15°C per minute. The ultimate goal was to prove the oil could handle a minimum gradient of 4°C per minute—still a steep challenge for any fluid system.

The Solution: Viking Pump SG-40741 with Fluorosilicone Seal

To meet these demands, Asco Pompe recommended the Viking Pump SG-40741, equipped with a Fluorosilicone mechanical seal. Why this setup?

• Fluorosilicone elastomers are known for their wide temperature tolerance, making them ideal for extreme environments.
• The SG Series™ external gear pump is built for precision and durability, especially in demanding industrial applications.

But what really made the difference was Asco Pompe’s confidence. They didn’t just recommend the pump—they stood behind it. They were so sure of Viking Pump’s performance that they accepted the risk of failure during testing. That level of commitment spoke volumes.

The Result: A Win for Innovation and Partnership

The outcome? The Viking Pump SG-40741 performed flawlessly. It handled the unknowns, the pressure swings, and the temperature extremes without issue. The client’s testing was a success, and Asco Pompe’s trust in Viking Pump was fully validated.

Why This Matters

This story isn’t just about a pump—it’s about partnership. Asco Pompe worked closely with the client to understand their unique needs, navigate uncertainty, and deliver a solution that worked the first time. It’s a great reminder that when technical expertise meets customer focus, even the toughest challenges can be solved.