Can diesel engine oil be put into a gasoline engine?

If you go to any auto parts and lubricants store, consultants will show us several dozen, if not hundreds, types of engine oil, which will differ from each other in various ways: for diesel or gasoline engines, for cars, commercial or trucks, for two- or 4-stroke engines. Also, as we previously wrote on the Vodi.su website, engine oils differ in viscosity, temperature conditions, fluidity and chemical composition.

For this reason, it is always necessary to fill in only the type of lubricant recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The only thing is that as the cylinder-piston group wears out, it is advised to switch to a more viscous oil with a run of over 100-150 thousand km. Well, in the harsh conditions of Russia, especially in the North, a seasonal change of lubricants is also necessary. But sometimes critical situations arise when the right brand of oil is not at hand, but you have to go. Accordingly, the problems of interchangeability of motor oils are quite relevant. Hence the question arises: can diesel engine oil be used in a gasoline enginewhat consequences can this lead to?

Gasoline and diesel power unit: differences

The principle of operation is the same, however, there is a huge difference in the process of burning the fuel-air mixture.

Features of diesel engines:

• higher pressure in the combustion chambers;
• the fuel-air mixture begins to ignite at higher temperatures, it does not burn out completely, which is why afterburning turbines are used;
• faster oxidation processes;
• diesel fuel contains large volumes of sulfur, a lot of soot is formed during combustion;
• Diesel engines are mostly low speed.

Thus, diesel oil is selected taking into account the peculiarities of the operation of the power unit. This is especially noticeable when it comes to freight transport. Truck drivers have to visit TIR much more often. And one of the most common services is the replacement of oil, fuel, air filters, as well as a complete flushing of the engine from combustion products.

Gasoline engines have their own characteristics:

• ignition of fuel occurs due to the supply of sparks from spark plugs;
• in combustion chambers, the level of temperatures and pressures is lower;
• the mixture burns almost completely;
• less products of combustion and oxidation remain.

Note that today universal oils have appeared on sale that are suitable for both options. An important point: if diesel oil for a passenger car can still be poured into a gasoline engine, then a truck oil is hardly suitable for this purpose..

Features of diesel oil

This lubricant has a more aggressive chemical composition.

The manufacturer adds:

• additives for removing oxides;
• alkali for more efficient cleaning of cylinder walls from ash;
• active ingredients to extend the life of the oil;
• additives to remove increased coking (coking occurs due to the increased need of a diesel engine in air to obtain a fuel-air mixture).

That is, this type of lubricant must endure more difficult conditions and cope with the removal of ash, soot, oxides and sulfur deposits. What will happen if you pour such oil into a gasoline engine?

Pour diesel oil into a gasoline engine: what will happen?

The whole problem lies in a more aggressive chemical composition. If we assume the situation that you drained the old gasoline oil and filled in the one calculated for a passenger diesel engine, you are unlikely to encounter any serious problems with short-term use. With longer use, the following consequences are possible:

• blockage of oil-conducting channels inside the metal elements of the engine;
• oil starvation;
• temperature increase;
• early wear of pistons and cylinders due to the weakening of the oil film.

Experts focus on this point: short-term replacement in emergency situations is quite acceptable if there is no other way out. But mixing different types of oils, in this case for a gasoline and diesel engine, is strictly prohibited, since the consequences can be unpredictable. The reverse situation is also highly undesirable - pouring oil for a gasoline engine into a diesel engine, since the most obvious thing that the owner of the vehicle will face is a strong coking of the engine with combustion products.

If we assume that any of the above situations arose on the road, try to get to the nearest car service, while the engine does not need to be overloaded. Diesel oil is not suitable for loads over 2500-5000 rpm.

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