Oil sawdust - where do they come from?

Despite the constant improvement of engine design and the use of more and more advanced technologies, manufacturers cannot avoid problems associated with drive units. One of the most common problems associated with the operation of the drive motor is oil filling, which is also indirectly caused by the negligence of vehicle owners. How to avoid them and where do they actually come from? Is it enough to remember to change the oil periodically? You will find the answers to these questions in today's text.

What will you learn from this post?

• Where does engine oil sawdust come from?
• How can their formation be reduced?

Shortly speaking

Have you noticed the silver filings in the oil? These are metal particles that form as a result of strong friction between metal surfaces. If you want to reduce their formation, use engine oils recommended by the manufacturers, do not forget to change them regularly and constantly check the technical condition of the engine and cooling system.

Oil sawdust - what is the main reason for their formation?

When do metal particles form? Some will say this when cutting metal parts. This, of course, is true, although it has nothing to do with the world of cars. The second reason is definitely closer to the automotive theme. Oil shavings result from friction between metal surfaces.such as, for example, the contact of the cylinder walls and piston rings. As you can imagine, this is a disadvantage. During the construction of the main oil pipeline, the designers of the cruise engines are trying to solve this problem at any cost. Unfortunately, it is not possible to form an oil film (and therefore a special protective layer) that reduces friction at every point of contact.

There are 3 main types of rings in standard piston engines: o-rings, scraper rings, and seal-scraper rings. It is important here that the O-ring at the top of the cylinder (which, among other things, prevents exhaust gases from entering the crankcase) should not come into contact with the oil film, as it is limited by the rest of the rings. At present, this is given special attention, since strict environmental standards explicitly require the limitation of combustion of engine oil particles. Due to the absence of an oil film, oil filings form in the upper part of the cylinder - their presence is directly related to high friction and abrasion of the material.

However, it is worth remembering that metal filings in oil appear not only for structural reasons (production stage), but also due to the negligence of the drivers themselves (utility stage). It is entirely up to you to prevent the accumulation of sawdust in the engine oil. So what do you need to remember?

How to effectively reduce the formation of metal filings in oil?

Remember to change your oil and oil filter regularly.

For a reason, manufacturers recommend changing the oil along with the filter at regular intervals. The consequences of negligence in this regard can be really serious:

• along with the kilometers traveled engine oil loses its lubricating properties and cannot form an oil film, which guarantees the effective operation of the contacting elements;
• unmodified, clogged oil filter prevents new oil from flowing freely – it will only flow through the overflow valve (without cleaning) together with the impurities collected on the filter media.

Filling the oil filter is just one of the many consequences of an untimely oil and oil filter change. These include more serious damage to the power unit, and even its complete destruction. Please note that the engine oil should be changed on average every year or every 10-15 thousand. km. Use only high quality lubricants that comply with current standards and recommended by manufacturers.

Limit harsh driving with a cold engine

If you are familiar with the engine at least to an elementary degree, you probably know that after turning it off and stopping the oil pump, oil flows into the sump. Therefore, it must be pumped back into the oil line after restarting the engine. What does this mean in practice? The first minutes of driving mean the complex work of the contacting elements. Therefore, try to slow down at high speeds and reduce the load on the engine.to give it time to reach its optimum operating temperature.

Oil sawdust? Check oil dilution level

Silver filings in oil may result deterioration of the lubricating properties of the oilcaused by dilution with fuel or coolant such as coolant. The first case concerns the situation when, during a cold start of the engine, too much fuel enters the cylinder, which then flows down the walls of the cylinder directly into the oil pan. An increased amount of fuel can also be delivered due to erroneous information sent damaged sensor to the engine control unit. In turn, the dilution of the oil with coolant occurs due to mechanical damage, such as, for example, damage to the cylinder head gasket.

Check the condition of the oil pump and the cooling pump.

These are 2 very important components, the correct functioning of which is interfered with, among other things, by the formation of metal filings in the oil.

• • A defective oil pump causes a drop in pressure in the oil line. As a result, the oil partially or completely does not reach the critical points of the engine.
  • A defective cooling pump causes too high a temperature in the engine. As a result, some parts expand and shed a layer of oil film that provides proper lubrication.

Reduce the amount of metal filings in the oil - it's all in your hands

Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely prevent the formation of metal filings in engine oil. However, you can pretty much limit them by following the instructions above. Remember - good oil is the basis for efficient and trouble-free engine operation!

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