What Causes New Engine Oil to Turn White?

[CarolineMarie]

New engine oil turning white can be attributed to the following reasons: Radiator leakage: Radiator leakage leads to excessive water in the engine oil. Condensation forms on the oil cap under low temperatures, and during short trips, as most components are non-metallic, heat conduction is slow. In very low ambient temperatures, the condensation may not evaporate. External moisture entering the lubrication system: Engine oil formulations include anti-emulsifiers and emulsifiers precisely because external moisture can enter the lubrication system during use. These additives help blend water with the oil without causing emulsification. Emulsification only occurs when there's excessive moisture. Oil emulsification reduces lubrication effectiveness, causing additional engine wear and shortening its service life.