What are the hazards of PEA polyetheramine to engine oil?
4 Answers
PEA polyetheramine does not harm engine oil and does not contaminate it. While effectively controlling carbon deposits in the fuel system and intake system, PEA polyetheramine can significantly reduce carbon deposit formation in the combustion chamber. Polyetheramine, also known as amino-terminated polyether, is obtained through the amination reaction of polyether polyols. In addition to being used as a gasoline detergent, it can also be applied in industries such as epoxy resin curing agents, polyurea, anti-corrosion coatings, and adhesives, playing a very important role in the field of new materials. Due to the relatively high viscosity of PEA polyetheramine, it flows into the fuel tank at a slower rate. Therefore, it is necessary to patiently wait for it to completely flow into the tank before filling up with gasoline, which is equivalent to direct dilution with gasoline, preventing it from sticking to the tank walls. Polyetheramine can also be diluted with a solvent before being added to the fuel tank. The working principles of PEA polyetheramine in eliminating carbon deposits: Dispersion effect: In lubricating oil, it can adsorb small solid particles such as already formed carbon deposits and varnish, dispersing them into a colloidal solution state in the oil, preventing these substances from further aggregating into larger particles that adhere to mechanical parts or deposit as sludge. Dissolution effect: In fuel oil, it can improve the performance and quality of the oil, with excellent oil solubility, no precipitation or stratification, enabling gasoline and diesel fuels to burn more completely and fully in the cylinder, increasing vehicle power performance, enhancing fuel anti-knock properties, reducing vehicle wear, and lowering engine noise. Cleaning effect: Polyetheramine can wash off varnish and carbon deposits already adsorbed on component surfaces, dispersing and suspending them in the oil to be removed through the filter, thereby keeping the metal surfaces of engine pistons and other parts clean and functioning properly. Solubilization effect: Polyetheramine is also a type of amine surfactant, which can solubilize substances that are originally insoluble in oil, such as solids or liquids, into the center of micelles formed by the aggregation of multiple surfactant molecules. During use, it solubilizes oxygen-containing compounds (such as those with hydroxyl, carbonyl, or carboxyl groups), nitro compounds, water, etc., into the micelles to form colloids, preventing further oxidation and condensation, and reducing the formation and accumulation of harmful deposits on engine components. Acid neutralization effect: As an alkaline substance, polyetheramine can neutralize acids generated by the oxidation of lubricating oil, preventing further condensation, thereby reducing high molecular weight polymers. It also prevents these acidic substances from corroding engine components.
Last time I was messing around with fuel additives, I specifically researched the issue of PEA (Polyether Amine). Its main harm to engine oil lies in the fact that prolonged and excessive use can cause premature aging of the oil. Especially the practice of adding PEA to every tank of fuel—the carbon deposits cleaned off will mix into the engine oil, increasing its acid value and causing it to oxidize prematurely. After just five to six thousand kilometers, the oil can thicken to the consistency of soy sauce. I've seen disassembled engines where the piston rings were completely stuck. So now, I only add PEA to one or two tanks of fuel before an oil change and replace the oil immediately after a high-speed run. For modified cars using 98-octane fuel paired with PEA, the results are quite good because there's less carbon buildup, but for regular family cars, never use high concentrations of PEA for extended periods.
Our auto repair shop's Old Li once told me a case. There was a ten-year-old Buick whose owner had been adding PEA-containing additives for six consecutive months, which resulted in an engine oil pressure warning. Upon disassembling the oil filter, it was found that the filter paper was completely clogged with sludge—essentially, the PEA had washed down years of sludge from the oil pan. Polyetheramine itself doesn't conflict with engine oil, but the issue is that its strong cleaning power can dislodge a large amount of impurities. In older cars, the seals may also start leaking due to the intense cleaning. It's recommended that for cars over eight years old, the dosage of PEA should be halved, and the oil change interval should be shortened after each use, preferably with a transition using a flushing oil.
Testing revealed that PEA accelerates the decline of Total Base Number (TBN) in engine oil. A lab comparison was conducted: two groups of identical engines, with Group A adding 50ml of polyetheramine every 5,000 kilometers, while Group B used none. After three oil change cycles, the TBN value of Group A's oil was 2.3 lower than Group B's, indicating a noticeable reduction in acid-neutralizing capacity. This implies an increased risk of engine corrosion. Interestingly, molybdenum-containing oils were less affected, likely due to molybdenum's ability to inhibit oxidation. Now, I always check oil certifications before using PEA, recommending C3 or SP-grade oils with low phosphorus and sulfur content for better corrosion resistance.
