Where does the oil go?

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Where does the oil go?

We all know that the oil level must be checked regularly, that the level can fall between two maintenance intervals and that oil must then be added. But where that oil then remains is a mystery to many. And how much oil can be used before we have to worry? Another question.

One thing is clear: every engine uses oil.

But maybe the level between two checks drops so little that it seems like nothing. That is possible again. Under normal circumstances, a value of 1 liters at approximately 3000 kilometers is used as the value. Traditionally, if more than one liter is burned per 1000 km, the block is ready for serious attention. But note: With really old, say pre-war classics, a consumption of 1 on 500 does not have to be alarming.

Why does an engine actually use oil?

To prevent the piston from jamming, an oil film must be present between the piston rings and the cylinder wall. The most eligible for combustion is naturally oil that is required for lubricating the piston and cylinder wall. Oil required for lubricating the various components enters the combustion chamber, burns there and disappears into the outside air via the outlet.

Oil consumption due to mechanical wear is one of the most common causes of oil consumption. As engines get older, the suction springs and the cylinder wall begin to wear out. Space is created between the two, along which the oil can drain into the combustion chamber. This oil is partially burned in the combustion chamber. The unburned part causes exhaust smoke (dark blue-gray smoke especially when accelerating), which may indicate a major wear. As the engine warms up, the oil becomes thinner and more oil will escape. This provides more smoke and carbon deposits. At the same time, fuel vapors and exhaust gases will escape along the piston rings, resulting in loss of compression and power.

When driving under normal circumstances, overhaul of the cylinder and piston (springs) is only necessary at approximately 80-100.000 kilometers. But there are plenty of Volvo's and Mercedes that are still OK after four tons. That has to do with the fact that they have always had their regular maintenance.

Even after revision

Oil consumption via the oil scraper spring also occurs with reconditioned engines, the cylinder wall is still somewhat rough after honing, the oil scraper spring has not yet run in, leaving a relatively large amount of oil behind. block what has already been walked in.

A patch

A second way in which an engine can start to use oil is along the valve guides, due to the choice of materials, little oil will be needed for lubrication between valve stem and valve guide, normally the atmosphere around the stem is already somewhat greasy and sufficient for lubrication. And oh yes: more modern engines with valve stem rubbers can suffer from wear / drying out / hardening of those rubbers. As a result, oil can get between the valve stem and the valve guide in the combustion chambers. This results in the same symptoms. Sometimes it is sufficient to renew the valve stem hats. That can improve but is never a definitive solution to the problem.

 

 

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