Engine oil starvation: what is it
The power unit of a car is a complex structure in which various elements work harmoniously: pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts and camshafts, piston rings, intake and exhaust valves, etc. As you can see, all these parts are made of metal and at the same time come into contact with each other. friend. Friction is the main reason for their rapid wear. But, thanks to the use of lubrication in the form of motor oils, the engine serves reliably, while the mileage can reach 200, 300 and even 500 thousand kilometers.
The responsible task falls on the engine lubrication system - to ensure the supply of oil to all engine elements.
This system consists of the following parts:
- oil pan - a reservoir for filling and storing oil;
- oil pump - responsible for the circulation of lubricant;
- filters responsible for cleaning from wear products and their retention;
- oil radiator;
- lines and oil channels.
So, if you look at any part, such as a crankshaft or connecting rods, we will see small holes in them - oilers through which engine oil enters.
But over time, any system begins to fail and the engine feels oil starvation. This is a very dangerous condition, any motorist must be aware of its causes, symptoms, consequences and methods of prevention.
Why does an engine experience oil starvation?
On our Vodi.su portal, we have already written a lot about measuring the oil level, about its types, about consumption rates, about the importance of timely replacement of oil filters and filter elements. Some motorists believe that it is enough to measure the level every six months and, if it falls, top up. This option has the right to life, but only if you drive a little.
If a person operates his car in full, drives several hundred kilometers a day, then the technical condition of his iron horse needs to be monitored more closely. In principle, even the traffic rules say that when leaving the garage, you must make sure that your vehicle is in good working order. But since many drivers neglect this simple rule, oil starvation can be observed among other malfunctions.
Its main reasons are:
- level drops;
- untimely replacement - when changing the oil, the filters must be changed;
- unsuitable or low-quality oil;
- clogging of the oil pump pressure reducing valve;
- wear of piston rings;
- poor-quality assembly of the engine after overhaul, wear or improper installation of gaskets, such as cylinder head gaskets, etc.
Why is the level dropping? Maybe there are leaks somewhere. Fortunately, modern cars are equipped with an oil level and pressure sensor that will notify you when you need to top up. But if the problem recurs often, it makes sense to worry and go for a diagnosis.
Untimely replacement of oil and filters leads to the filling of the flow channels with dirt. In addition, a clogged filter will lose capacity. Well, low-quality or unsuitable oil turns into a thick, cloudy substance that does not provide lubrication of the engine parts in contact. These reasons entail others: valve clogging or faster wear of the rings.
Signs of starvation
The range of symptoms is very wide: a sharp increase in engine temperature, a drop in power, increased consumption of gasoline and oil, extraneous noise. Again, on modern cars equipped with an ECU, the Check Engine will immediately light up on the front panel if the problem is serious.
The most obvious sign is a pressure drop in the system. Due to a clogged filter and oil receiver, a smaller volume of oil enters the system, which is not enough to lubricate all parts. Engine power is reduced due to a drop in compression. The reason is simple - the oil scraper rings wear out and leak pressure.
Well, the knock is heard when things are really bad. Anything can be its source: broken camshaft keys, connecting rod or crankshaft main bearings, increased clearance in the valve mechanism.
You can determine specific signs by removing the valve cover. If we see the wear of the rocker mechanism and camshaft, coupled with the above signs (power and pressure drop), we can safely say that the engine is experiencing oil starvation.
Aftermath
If you have a diesel engine with a turbine, then one of the possible consequences is turbine failure. What is it connected with? The fact is that the turbine shaft rotates in an enhanced mode in an "oil bath". That is, the lubricant is supplied under high pressure. If the turbine begins to "howl", then the situation becomes irreversible.
Imagine what happens in the cylinder block during starvation. Piston rings are the first to experience the consequences, which rub against the cylinder walls almost dry. The destruction of pistons and cylinders is only a matter of time.
But there are other problems as well:
- jamming of the camshaft, its break;
- curved valves and connecting rods;
- crankshaft liners begin to turn, wear of the crankshaft journals.
A characteristic sign of an approaching serious problem is thick gray smoke coming out of the muffler. This indicates that the remaining oil begins to burn out in the engine.
Let's say right away that such problems are possible only with a catastrophic shortage of lubricants. Usually, the Check Engine starts to light up when there is not enough about one liter of oil. That is, approximately 20-25 percent of the required volume. Some terrible consequences are unlikely to occur, but the pistons will have a hard time. Get ready for a major overhaul: grinding cylinders, buying a set of P1 or P2 pistons. You will also have to buy piston pins, it is possible to grind the crankshaft and change the liners.
What can you do to avoid these consequences? The answer is simple: measure the level at least once a week, fill in the quality oil recommended by the manufacturer, and at the first sign of starvation, go for diagnostics.
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