How Long Does It Take for Engine Oil Mixed with Sugar to Cause Seizure?
2 Answers
The time it takes for engine oil mixed with sugar to cause seizure is not fixed, as it depends on various factors such as the amount of sugar added, the frequency of vehicle use, temperature, and more. Adding sugar to the engine can lead to a 'chronic heart disease' for the engine. As a crystalline substance, sugar does not dissolve easily in engine oil. As the vehicle is driven, the temperature within the cylinder gradually rises, causing the sugar to melt. This significantly increases the viscosity of the engine oil, leading to engine seizure. Below are some key points for maintaining a car engine: 1. Use fuel that meets the required standards: The quality of fuel greatly impacts engine combustion. Poor-quality gasoline can lead to excessive carbon and gum deposits in the combustion chamber, fuel injectors, intake tract, and valves, resulting in unstable idling and difficulty accelerating. 2. Warm up the engine: It is necessary to warm up the engine when starting it in a cold state. The engine operates best in terms of resistance between parts, wear, and stability when at normal working temperature, so warming up is essential. 3. Pay attention to dashboard indicators: While driving, monitor the indicators on the dashboard, such as the coolant temperature gauge, oil light, and charging indicator. Address any irregularities immediately. 4. Listen to the engine: Start the engine in a quiet environment and let it idle and accelerate to check if the engine sounds normal. 5. Refuel promptly: Try to refuel when the fuel level drops to about one-third remaining. This ensures the fuel pump in the tank dissipates heat effectively and prolongs its lifespan. 6. Regular engine maintenance: Maintain the engine according to the recommended schedule and mileage. Choose the appropriate engine oil; keep the coolant clean for optimal engine cooling; regularly clean the engine's oil and air passages; ensure smooth fuel and air intake channels for the engine.
As a mechanic with years of experience, I must warn you to be extremely cautious about adding sugar to engine oil. Sugar dissolves and becomes sticky under high temperatures, clogging oil passages and filters. Once the oil supply is cut off, the bearings will directly rub against each other, generating heat and causing seizure. The time it takes varies, but during high-speed or aggressive driving, it could happen within minutes to tens of minutes—like running 100 kilometers on the highway could destroy the engine. I've seen plenty of such damage, and the repair costs are shockingly high, often requiring replacement of entire components. Engine oil maintenance is crucial—don’t add anything unnecessary. Keeping it clean is key to preventing issues, and regular oil changes are fundamental.
