What Are the Consequences of Water Entering Engine Oil?
1 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.