What are the effects of fuel dilution in lube oil?
In short, when fuel mixes with the lubricant, it reduces the viscosity of the oil, meaning that the viscosity may be too low to create an oil film capable of withstanding heavy loads and speeds in some parts of the engine. This results in friction between the metal surfaces and wear of the parts.
What is the significance of oil dilution in the starting engine?
The process of adding fuel to the engine oil just before engine shutdown to reduce its viscosity. This facilitates starting the reciprocating engines in cold weather. After the engine has started up, the fuel evaporates and the oil lubricates the engine normally.
How do you test a fuel dilution?
A number of techniques exist to measure fuel dilution. Viscosity analysis is a significant screening technique that is conventionally performed for testing the used lubricants. Gas chromatography, flash point testing, and surface acoustic wave sensing are direct techniques for testing fuel dilution.
Which is the best way to test for fuel dilution?
First, ensure there’s really a problem. Although it’s possible to smell fuel in a motor oil sample, oil analysis is the most accurate method of determining the severity of fuel dilution. Visit www.oaitesting.com to see the options available through Oil Analyzers INC.
What causes the dilution of the engine oil?
Fuel Dilution is the thinning of engine oil by gasoline or diesel fuel. During the service life of the engine oil, some amount of fuel dilution is inevitable, but several factors can cause excessive dilution: Some modes of service are inherently more prone to fuel dilution: Taxi fleets, emergency vehicles, and delivery trucks, for example,
Why does fuel dilution cause a lower viscosity?
The biggest issue that arises from fuel dilution is the lowering of the oil’s viscosity, as fuel has a much lower viscosity than the oil (as well as possessing a lower vapor pressure and thinning effect), which in turn can cause the oil-fuel mixture to adopt a viscosity lower than it is designed for.
How is fuel diluted in a crankcase?
As fuel is burned during the combustion cycle, it can enter the crankcase and be introduced to the lubricating oil. The process of the raw or unburned fuel mixing with the oil is known as fuel dilution. There are many causes of fuel dilution, with most related to some sort of mechanical issue.