What are the effects of too much or too little engine oil on the engine?
2 Answers
Effects of too much or too little engine oil on the engine: 1. Excessive engine oil can cause intense agitation among various components during operation, which not only increases internal power loss but also leads to more oil splashing onto the cylinder walls, resulting in oil burning and exhaust faults. 2. Insufficient engine oil can cause poor lubrication in bearings and journals due to the lack of oil, exacerbating wear and even leading to bearing seizure accidents. Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties. Additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, providing certain new properties, and are an important part of lubricating oil.
The impact of too little or too much engine oil on the engine should not be overlooked. When the oil level is too low, insufficient lubrication of internal engine parts increases friction, leading to a sharp rise in temperature. I've experienced this myself—during a long drive, the engine noise suddenly increased, and accelerated piston wear resulted in costly repairs. Excess oil increases the resistance to crankshaft rotation, causing the oil to foam and form bubbles, which reduces lubrication efficiency. In severe cases, it may damage seals, leading to leaks. Maintaining a balanced oil level is key to extending engine life. I recommend checking the dipstick monthly on level ground with the engine cold, ensuring the oil level stays between the minimum and maximum marks, and avoiding overfilling or neglecting to top up.
