What Causes Engine Oil Burning in Cars?
2 Answers
Engine oil burning refers to the situation where engine oil enters the combustion chamber of the engine and participates in combustion along with the air-fuel mixture. Generally, vehicles experiencing oil burning will exhibit varying degrees of 'blue smoke' from the exhaust, a noticeable increase in oil consumption, and the need to frequently top up the oil within a short period. Oil burning in vehicles can lead to several adverse consequences, including increased carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, reduced fuel economy and engine performance, and excessive exhaust emissions. The consequences of oil burning include: 1. Carbon deposits forming in the combustion chamber, causing the piston rings to stick and resulting in poor sealing. 2. Sludge formation in the lubrication system, which can clog the oil return holes of the oil control rings and reduce their scraping efficiency. 3. Wear between the piston and cylinder walls. 4. Corrosion and aging of valve seals, leading to a loss of sealing performance.
I've seen many cases of cars burning oil. The most common causes are aging or worn engine seals, such as loose piston rings or leaking valve stem seals, which allow oil to gradually seep into the combustion chamber and get burned. Prolonged driving, especially at high speeds, can accelerate oil consumption, leading to blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, increased fuel consumption, and sluggish acceleration. These issues are often caused by carbon buildup from long-term vehicle use or failure to change the oil on time. During routine maintenance, pay attention to the oil dipstick to ensure it doesn't fall below the minimum level, and using the right oil viscosity can significantly delay such problems. If you notice any abnormalities, promptly visit a repair shop to inspect and repair piston components or seals—otherwise, engine damage could result in much higher repair costs.
