What Causes a Truck to Burn Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Burning engine oil may be caused by excessive clearance between the piston rings and cylinder walls, or it could be due to a malfunctioning oil separator. If the engine is burning oil, it must be repaired immediately; otherwise, it will affect the normal operation of the engine. Engine oil is extremely important for the engine. Below are the relevant details: 1. Engine oil is referred to as the lifeblood of the engine: Without engine oil, the engine cannot operate properly. Inside the engine, oil not only lubricates but also cleans, seals, cushions, prevents rust, and dissipates heat. When the engine is running, the oil forms a thin film on the surfaces of various components. 2. If the components inside the engine come into direct contact and create friction: It will accelerate engine wear and cause the engine to overheat. Over time, the performance of engine oil deteriorates, so it needs to be changed regularly. The oil filter is used to filter the oil; without it, the oil will become dirty after some use, which can also affect the engine's lubrication and heat dissipation.
After driving trucks for so many years, I've encountered quite a few cases of oil burning. The main reason is usually worn or broken piston rings, which allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber and get burned. Another common cause is aging valve guide seals, especially in high-mileage vehicles—once those seals fail, oil leaks right in. In turbocharged vehicles, poor turbo seals can also lead to oil leaks being sucked into the engine. Regular checks are crucial; I always check the dipstick before refueling. If the oil level drops too fast, it's a red flag. Ignoring it can lead to engine overheating, power loss, and a spike in fuel consumption—I once neglected it and nearly ruined an engine. Prevention methods include regular oil changes using the right grade, avoiding cheap low-quality oil, and idling for a few minutes after long trips before shutting off the engine, which helps extend engine life and save on repair costs. Overall, catching small issues early can prevent expensive overhauls.