Protecting the Engine - Three Ways to Discover Water in Engine Oil

Under normal conditions, the allowable moisture content in oil is below 0.03%. When the water content exceeds 0.1%, additives (antioxidants, detergents, etc.) in the engine oil will fail, accelerating the oxidation process of the engine oil. The organic acids generated by the oxidation of engine oil and the acidic oxides in the exhaust gas from the engine react with water to form inorganic acids. These acidic substances increase the corrosion of the engine. Therefore, when the engine oil contains more water, the lubricity of the engine oil will deteriorate, and the viscosity will decrease. If the engine oil is light, the engine oil will deteriorate prematurely and the engine parts will rust. If the engine oil is heavy, it will cause serious mechanical accidents such as shaft suspension and burning of the engine.

We do not use oil containing excessive water as much as possible, and discover as early as possible the water contained in the oil, so as to avoid damage to the engine due to excess moisture in the oil. In actual use, we can use some simple methods to determine whether the engine oil contains excessive water.

■ color method

Cleanliness of the engine oil is translucent. The presence of water in the oil will reduce its transparency. When the engine is running for a while, the oil is milky and accompanied by foam.

■Combustion

The copper net is put into the oil of the engine under inspection after being heated. If there is a "click" noise, it means that the engine oil contains more water. The oil to be examined can also be injected into the test tube to heat up. When the temperature is close to 80 to 100° C., a “click” sound is generated in the test tube, which also proves that the engine oil contains more water.

■ Water release method

After the engine is shut down, let the engine stand still for 30 minutes or so. Loosen the screw plug. If there is water released, the engine oil contains more water.