Recognition and Treatment of Engine Oil Contaminated with Water or Fuel
Recognition and Treatment of Engine Oil Contaminated with Water or Fuel
Engine oil contaminated with water or fuel loses its lubricating properties, causing corrosion, cylinder scoring, increased fuel consumption, and even severe engine damage.
Signs of Contamination:
Water contamination: oil turns milky brown, foamy, with musty odor; viscosity decreases, TAN increases; engine hard to start, emits white-blue smoke.
Fuel contamination: oil becomes thinner, strong smell of raw fuel; viscosity and flash point drop significantly; engine consumes more fuel, emits black smoke, spark plugs fouled with carbon.
Causes: radiator leakage, damaged gasket, condensation, faulty fuel injection system, or improper operation.
Flooding case: water enters through air intake, PCV, or gaskets, causing oil emulsification, sludge formation, and high risk of hydrolock.
Remedies: do not start engine after flooding; drain oil and replace filter; flush multiple times; replace air filter, spark plugs, injectors if needed; inspect radiator, injectors, bearings; overhaul if severe.
Recommendations: regularly analyze oil (ASTM D6304, D445, D5185, D92); shorten oil change intervals in flood-prone areas; use oils with anti-rust and water-separating additives.
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