What is Oil Dilution and Emulsification?
2 Answers
Oil dilution and emulsification refers to the condition where, upon opening the engine oil cap, a thick, viscous liquid is found behind and below the oil cap. The oil appears milky white or creamy yellow, indicating that the engine oil has emulsified and deteriorated. At this stage, the oil is no longer effective, with all its functions significantly degraded, and should not be used further. The method to determine oil dilution and emulsification is to pull out the dipstick and check if the oil level is not within the standard range. The causes of oil dilution and emulsification are: 1. During engine startup, a large amount of gasoline is injected. Cold starts and cold seasons prevent the oil temperature from rising, making it difficult for gasoline to evaporate, leading to increased oil volume; 2. Emulsification caused by water mixing into the oil.
As an average car enthusiast, I've encountered the issue of oil dilution and emulsification after prolonged use of my vehicle. Simply put, it means the engine oil level rises and turns into a milky, white liquid. This usually happens when gasoline or moisture mixes into the engine oil after short trips in cold weather, causing oil-water emulsification. I remember one winter when I took a short drive to the supermarket and later checked the dipstick to find the oil level increased with a whitish appearance, leading to poor lubrication and severe engine vibration. If left unaddressed for long, it can damage crankshaft bearings or cause piston seizure. For repairs, you'd need to replace the oil filter and all the oil, plus fix any leaks—common culprits include cooling system failures or poor sealing. For daily prevention, I recommend regular oil level checks, avoiding frequent short trips, and letting the engine warm up properly before shutting it off. Modern vehicles, especially hybrids or small-displacement turbocharged engines, are more prone to this issue, so extra caution is advised.
