What Are the Consequences of Water Entering Engine Oil?
3 Answers
Water entering engine oil can lead to minor issues such as excessive engine temperature, or more severe problems like cylinder scuffing and bearing seizure. In the worst cases, it can even cause the engine to be scrapped. The principles are as follows: 1. Water Content in Oil: Normally, the water content in oil is below 0.03%. If it exceeds 0.1%, additives in the lubricant (such as antioxidants and detergents) will react with water and become ineffective, reducing the oil's performance. 2. Chemical Reaction: Under the high temperature inside the engine, the oil reacts chemically with the coolant, leading to emulsification of the oil, which significantly diminishes its lubricating properties. 3. Inorganic Acids: When the oil's antioxidant performance declines, organic acids generated from oil oxidation react with water to form inorganic acids. These acidic substances can corrode engine components, causing rust or damage.
I remember last time when I helped my neighbor check his car, we found water contamination in the engine oil - that's a serious issue. Engine oil is meant to lubricate engine components, but when mixed with water, its viscosity deteriorates, leading to insufficient lubrication. This causes increased friction between metal parts, resulting in rapid wear and rust formation. Water also easily mixes with oil to form an emulsion that can clog the oil filter, restricting oil circulation. This may lead to engine overheating or even stalling. In severe cases, it can corrode the cylinder block interior, causing permanent damage. For regular maintenance, it's best to check the dipstick's color and condition monthly. If you notice white foamy appearance, get it repaired immediately before it escalates into major damage. The repair costs aren't cheap - easily running into thousands of yuan.
I once experienced engine oil contamination with water, and the outcome was quite distressing. While driving, I noticed the engine noise became louder and the power weakened. After parking, I found water droplets on the oil cap. The moisture caused the oil to lose its lubricating properties, increasing friction between components and accelerating wear. Over time, rust can spread, particularly affecting piston rings and valves. This also increases the risk of unstable oil pressure, leading to engine overheating or unexpected breakdowns. A friend's car even suffered complete engine failure due to this issue. For routine maintenance, it's advisable to avoid parking the car in low-lying areas prone to water exposure for extended periods. During seasonal changes, check if the engine oil remains clear, and if any issues are detected, promptly visit a professional repair shop for treatment.
