What happens if you fill the engine with too viscous oil?
- May 6, 2022
- 0
The network is full of rumors and stories about what leads to more viscous oil being poured into the engine. Some drivers are happy, others are not. Still
The network is full of rumors and stories about what leads to more viscous oil being poured into the engine. Some drivers are happy, others are not. Still others say that viscosity has no effect on engine operation, and even more so on the dynamics of the car. Which of them is right, the AvtoVzglyad portal discovered.
To understand how too viscous oil affects the operation of the engine, you should first pay attention to the so-called SAE standard. This is the designation of the viscosity class of multigrade oils. For example, in the 0W30 class designation, the first number indicates the viscosity at low temperatures, and the second at high temperatures.
Now a few words about engine design. Each engine is designed to be calculated for the minimum, not the maximum, operating oil viscosity. This is explained by the fact that the drop in operating pressure of the lubricant is critical to the unit. The oil hunger can begin, the engine starts to run “dry”, which ultimately guarantees a breakdown. But a slight increase in viscosity and pressure is almost harmless. Yes, it will lead to minor performance changes, but nothing more.
In addition, the oil channels for all engines are almost the same. No manufacturer will make them too narrow so that no oil can be pumped through them. The same goes for gaps. They will not be too small.
When we talk about long runs on oil that is too viscous, in theory there could be some problems. For example, it may be necessary to replace the pressure reducing valve of the oil pump, the pump itself or phase controllers beforehand. But this happens with very large print runs and then rarely.
So there is nothing wrong with using a lubricant that is too viscous. All oils that have an SAE classification can be used without fear. No car manufacturer would make an engine that could be damaged by a thicker oil. Rather, it is more profitable for him to design a universal engine as he sells his products in different markets. Accordingly, the operating conditions in these countries are different.
Conclusion: Even if oil is poured into the engine with a viscosity index twice as high as recommended by the manufacturer, the engine will not boil and break. There will be no more damage than from a short trip in the cold.
Photo: www.gettyimages.com
To understand how too viscous oil affects the operation of the engine, you should first pay attention to the so-called SAE standard. This is the designation of the viscosity class of multigrade oils. For example, in the 0W30 class designation, the first number indicates the viscosity at low temperatures, and the second at high temperatures.
Now a few words about engine design. Each engine is designed to be calculated for the minimum, not the maximum, operating oil viscosity. This is explained by the fact that the drop in operating pressure of the lubricant is critical to the unit. The oil hunger can begin, the engine starts to run “dry”, which ultimately guarantees a breakdown. But a slight increase in viscosity and pressure is almost harmless. Yes, it will lead to minor performance changes, but nothing more.
In addition, the oil channels for all engines are almost the same. No manufacturer will make them too narrow so that no oil can be pumped through them. The same goes for gaps. They will not be too small.
When we talk about long runs on oil that is too viscous, in theory there could be some problems. For example, it may be necessary to replace the pressure reducing valve of the oil pump, the pump itself or phase controllers beforehand. But this happens with very large print runs and then rarely.
So there is nothing wrong with using a lubricant that is too viscous. All oils that have an SAE classification can be used without fear. No car manufacturer would make an engine that could be damaged by a thicker oil. Rather, it is more profitable for him to design a universal engine as he sells his products in different markets. Accordingly, the operating conditions in these countries are different.
Conclusion: Even if oil is poured into the engine with a viscosity index twice as high as recommended by the manufacturer, the engine will not boil and break. There will be no more damage than from a short trip in the cold.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
I’m Sandra Torres, a passionate journalist and content creator. My specialty lies in covering the latest gadgets, trends and tech news for Div Bracket. With over 5 years of experience as a professional writer, I have built up an impressive portfolio of published works that showcase my expertise in this field.
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