What Causes Engine Oil Burning?

[SaraAnn]

Here is an introduction to the causes of engine oil burning: 1. Mechanical wear. Mechanical wear is mainly influenced by factors such as machining precision, fit quality, lubrication conditions, operating temperature, and pressure between mating parts. When the engine operates at high temperatures, the lubricating oil becomes thinner, resulting in poorer oil film quality. 2. Abrasive wear. Abrasives are formed by the mixture of metal impurities in the oil and dust from the air, accelerating the wear of mating parts. Additionally, dust brought in by the intake air adheres to the cylinder wall opposite the intake valve, forming abrasives that wear the cylinder's cross-section into an oval shape, increasing the cylinder clearance and causing oil burning. 3. Corrosive wear. When the engine temperature is low, water vapor in the cylinder forms droplets on the cylinder wall. These droplets react with exhaust gases to produce acidic substances that adhere to the cylinder wall, causing corrosion and leading to cylinder wear. This increases the clearance between the cylinder and piston, resulting in oil burning. 4. Tolerance mismatch. During engine repair, if the tolerance fit between the cylinder and piston diameter of the same group is not properly considered, excessive clearance can occur, leading to oil burning.

[LiamMarie]

I've encountered the issue of engine oil burning several times, especially when driving older cars. Blue smoke from the exhaust is a classic sign. The main cause is wear and tear of the sealing components inside the engine, such as piston rings or valve stem seals failing, allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn, resulting in blue smoke from the tailpipe. Additionally, factors like aging in high-mileage vehicles, poor turbocharger seals, or a clogged PCV valve can also be culprits. It's important to pay attention to daily signs; if oil consumption is unusually high or there's a noticeable lack of power during acceleration, oil burning is likely occurring. I've made it a habit to regularly check oil levels and change the oil, not delaying maintenance for too long. If it happens, don't panic—take it to a professional shop to inspect the internal components. Timely repairs can prevent further engine damage. This issue isn't just annoying; it also increases fuel consumption and pollution, so addressing it early saves a lot of hassle.