So, fuel getting into engine oil is bad, because it lowers the lubricating qualities of the oil.
Furthermore, reducing the engine oil viscosity, causing the oil to thin out to a dangerous level.
Therefore, this results in, additional friction between the metal surfaces, causing premature wear of engine parts.
So, fuel getting into engine oil, is a condition caused by, excess unburned fuel, entering the crankcase. Consequently, fuel getting into engine oil, happens to all engines; but usually not to the extent, to cause engine damage.
In addition, the oil films formed, are weakened and less capable of, withstanding high engine loads.
So, when you have, fuel getting into engine oil, where does the damage start.
One of the early signs of this happening is, a lifter ticking noise, caused by lack of lubrication. After that, engine bearings will begin to fail, lowering oil pressure and eventually causing, engine knocking sounds.
Usually, the first to go are the rod bearings, as they are last ones to get oil.
Furthermore, as the lubricant is being used up and replaced by fuel, the concentration of oil additives decrease. As a result, fuel is also diluting the engine oil additives, like rust inhibitors, detergents and dispersants. Detergents help remove sludge, that can build up in the engine over a length of time. While, the dispersants, will keep the dirt from coming together. And, control of carbon deposits.
So, as you can see, fuel getting into engine oil, can do engine damage. Most of these issues, can happen with antifreeze as well. But, we will talk about that one later.
Consequently, there actually are some ways, to reduce fuel getting into engine oil, if you know the signs.
So, Knowing The Cause, Effect, And The Fix, May Be All You Need, To Save Your Engine
| Cause | Effect | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Continued operation with stops and start. | The fuel doesn’t burn off completely. | Reduce the mileage change interval, to the strictest change interval indicated by the manufacturer. |
| Starting in the cold. | The fuel doesn’t burn off well, because the combustion temperature is low. | Wait for the engine to increase in temperature, before accelerating. |
| Problems in the injection system. | The droplets of fuel being injected into the chamber are big, which leads to poor combustion. | The injectors, need to be inspected. |
| Poor combustion. | The fuel isn’t burning off completely. Resulting in, fuel getting into engine oil. | Check that the combustion chamber and the injection system, are working properly. |
| Worn-out engine parts: valve guides, injectors and wear. | Conditions change in the combustion chamber, meaning it is no longer optimized. | The engine, needs to be inspected. |
| Excessive acceleration. | Excess inflow of fuel. | Worn injectors. |
| Mixture of rich fuels. | Excess fuel. | Inspection of the, injection system. |
| Faulty injectors. | Can produce excessive inflow of fuel or inadequate fuel injection. | It does not burn fuel as well, resulting in deposits. Inspection of the injection system. |
So, the problem of fuel getting into engine oil, causing fuel wash, seems to have reduced in recent years. As a result, this seems to indicate that, current fuel injection systems have improved.
Conclusion
Above all, proper maintenance, is the most important part of owning a car. Therefore, to keep it running smoothly, your car highly relies on engine oil, lube, and oil filters. Furthermore, oil helps in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal engine components. Because, with time, engine oil, becomes contaminated.
Always, keep your eyes open for, early signs of engine problems:
- Check your oil level, it could be low or it could be too high. Consequently, some manufacturers have actually added a new notch; above the maximum mark as a warning sign.
- When you remove your dipstick to check your oil, Smell it ! Does it smell like fuel ? If so, have it checked and repaired, before any damage happens.
Finally, metal-on-metal contact, is the enemy of your engine and that’s why, clean engine oil is the cure.
Thank You !
