When a combustible mixture burns in an internal combustion engine (ICE), heat is generated. Critical temperatures at which damage to thermally loaded parts is possible:

The temperature of the liquid in the cooling system is set within the range - 80 - 90°C. It is supported structurally: a thermostat, a radiator, and a forced cooling fan that turns on based on a signal from the temperature sensor. The engine oil is heated slightly higher - on average to 90 - 100°C.

Oil functions and lubrication modes

Motor oil performs the following tasks:

  • removes heat from the friction zone, helping to reduce operating temperature;
  • carries away mechanical particles, preventing abrasive wear;
  • neutralizes the aggressive environment, preventing corrosive wear;
  • inhibits gas breakthrough by sealing the working chamber.

There are 2 main types of oil interaction: boundary and hydrodynamic.

  1. In the first mode, lubricant flows to the rubbing surfaces without pressure and wets them, reducing wear. The lubricating product is continuously renewed by spraying or using nozzles. In this way the following are lubricated: connecting rod and piston group (including pistons with rings), toothed chain, rockers, valves and a number of other parts.
  2. Hydrodynamic lubrication - when lubricating fluid is supplied to the friction area from a pressure oil pump. In this case, an oil wedge is formed, causing the internal part to “float” on an oil film, due to which a gap is formed between the surfaces, eliminating direct mechanical contact. An example is the lubrication of crankshaft and camshaft bearings.

The role of lubricating oil viscosity

One of the characteristics of motor oil is its dynamic viscosity, measured in centistokes. This parameter affects the longevity of the car engine and is usually indicated in the vehicle manual.

In addition to the technical features of the engine, the choice of lubricant viscosity is also influenced by seasonal operating temperatures. With increasing temperature, the viscosity of the oil decreases, and with decreasing temperature it increases. Therefore, for winter it should be less, for summer - more.

The most used multi-grade oils contain special components - viscosity additives, designed to provide the required viscosity at elevated temperatures. In addition, it is necessary to maintain the operating temperature of the oil within certain limits.

Negative phenomena in internal combustion engines due to thermal disturbances

The cause of aging of motor oil is the oxidation processes of hydrocarbon group elements occurring in the oil base. In this case, reaction products are released in the form of various deposits: carbon deposits, varnishes, sludge deposits. Temperature conditions have the greatest influence on this.

Soot is a solid substance in the form of soot, which is a product of the oxidation of hydrocarbons. This also includes unburned fuel elements (iron, lead), as well as various mechanical impurities. Carbon deposits cause all sorts of disruptions to the normal working process (detonation, glow ignition and some others).

Varnish is the result of oxidation of the oil film covering the contacting surfaces under the influence of high temperature in the combustion chamber. Up to 80% of its volume is carbon, the rest is oxygen, hydrogen and ash. The varnish coating impairs heat transfer through the oil film and leads to dangerous overheating of the piston and cylinder. The most dangerous is varnish deposits in the piston grooves, leading to ring sticking due to “coking”. The latter is a symbiosis of soot and varnish film.

Sludge is a mixture of products of low-temperature oxidation of carbon compounds with water and emulsion contaminants. The reasons for their occurrence are: insufficient engine temperature, low oil quality, engine design features, as well as operating mode.

Optimal lubricant temperature

Soviet scientists from NAMI have determined the most favorable temperature of a running engine, at which wear of parts is minimal. For both carburetor and diesel engines, it is necessary that the oil temperature in a normally operating engine be in the range of 70 - 80°C.

To achieve the specified values, the coolant on modern engines under normal operating conditions does not heat above 80 - 90°C. Taking this into account, the optimal oil temperature is considered to be 90 - 105 ° C, or 10 - 15 degrees hotter than the cooling medium.

Insufficient operating temperature

If the oil is colder than 90°C, engine efficiency will decrease, with a simultaneous reduction in engine life. Piston skirts cooled by lubricating fluid will expand less than at the design temperature.

Due to the increase in thermal gaps between the piston and cylinder, compression will decrease, which means the efficiency of the working process will decrease. In addition, the lubricant will begin to dilute with fuel, which will lead to the formation of soot and increased fuel consumption.

Another negative consequence of insufficiently heated oil is the release of acids from process waste. There is always moisture in the engine cylinders that comes with atmospheric air. At normal temperatures, water almost completely evaporates.

When the oil is not hot enough, conditions become favorable for acid formation. Acidic components are capable of reacting with light metals, as a result of which the engine will not last the expected period.

The dangers of oil overheating

Excessive heating of the lubricant is much more dangerous than the previous case. Until the operating temperature of the oil leaves the permissible limits, parts operating in the hydrodynamic lubrication mode (crankshaft connecting rods and main journals) do not have mechanical contact with each other.

After heating the oil above 105°C, its viscosity decreases and it becomes more fluid. In this case, under the influence of load, the oil gap loses its load-bearing capacity, and the interacting parts come into contact.

From this moment, due to friction, the rubbing parts begin to heat up, and the thermal gap between them decreases. Increasing oil temperature leads to its oxidation, which theoretically can be detected using laboratory analysis. When the oil heats up above 125°C, it becomes so fluid that it seeps through the oil scraper rings and penetrates into the working cavity of the cylinder, where it burns out.

Due to increasing consumption, oil has to be topped up, in which case all oil additives are renewed, and the analysis results are unreliable. The engine begins to wear out intensively, but this is often attributed to poor performance of the lubrication system.

And only after the engine breaks down can you discover what reason contributed to the sad outcome. If there was an oil starvation, the oil pump would be damaged, and the pistons could be scored. And in this case, the pump is working, but the crankshaft journals are raised.

Concluding the article, I would like to advise drivers who want to maintain the health of their iron “horse” to avoid long-term driving at high speeds, monitor the temperature of the engine oil, replace it in a timely manner and fill in a proven product with the viscosity recommended by the automaker.

The boiling point of motor oil should not exceed the permissible values. After all, a car engine can withstand severe thermal loads. Additional impact on the motor can damage it. To avoid this process, the quality of the lubricant must be at a high level.

The main reasons for engine oil boiling are improper engine maintenance and excessive load on it.

High oil temperature

High temperatures include two main indicators:

  • acceptable;
  • boiling point

At elevated temperatures, the viscosity of the oil decreases, which can lead to damage to the mechanism.

The acceptable coefficient includes the optimal oil temperature. In some cases, the engine warms up to operating speed, but the viscosity lags. As soon as the temperature rises, the second coefficient will return to normal on its own. The permissible range should always be optimal and not overload the engine. However, the motor is able to function for a long time even at high temperatures, but an increase in motor life will not be observed.

If the engine oil boils, a high heat index poses a danger to the performance of the vehicle. Elevated temperatures can lead to boiling, but not of the oil, but of the lubricant. As a result, it will begin to bubble and smoke. It is unacceptable! Fuel can boil at a temperature of 250°. At the same time, its viscosity is significantly reduced, as a result of which the parts are lubricated poorly. This may lead to damage to the entire mechanism.

If the lubricant is heated to 125°, it will burn along with the oil product. At the same time, its concentration is low, which is impossible to notice during the exhaust. During this process, the liquid will begin to rapidly be consumed. The car enthusiast will have to constantly fill it. Therefore, it is not advisable to neglect the operating temperature of the oil.

It is prohibited to bring the lubricant to a boil. This will negatively affect engine performance and may lead to wear of parts.

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Flashes and freezing

The operating temperature of engine oils should not increase by more than 2 °C within 1 minute.

A flash is a condition in which flammable material appears on a surface. This can be achieved by applying a gas flame to the lubricant. Heating the lubricant leads to a concentration of oil vapors, which control the ignition process. There are some differences in the temperature states of these indicators. This is due to the method of testing and the apparatus.

Flash and ignition are indicators of volatility. They indicate the type and degree of cleaning. However, their temperature states are not able to characterize the operation of the lubricant and its quality.

If the substance becomes immobile and not viscous, this process is called the pour point of the oil. When these indicators, on the contrary, increase their properties, paraffin crystallizes (this is the same solidification process). Fuel under the influence of low temperature loses its basic properties. The material becomes harder and more flexible. This is due to the release of hydrocarbon components.

Flash and pour points should always be within the optimum range. Otherwise, it affects the performance of the engine.

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Fuel viscosity

Lubrication is used to avoid dry friction inside the parts located in the engine, otherwise they will quickly wear out and the engine will fail. The oil product must eliminate the possibility of friction and be efficiently pumped through the channels.

Table of lubricant viscosity values ​​and characteristics according to SAE.

Combustion temperature is an important parameter indicating the health of the lubricant. The lubricant must be viscous. This criterion directly depends on temperature. Therefore, it is important that all processes in the engine work smoothly and do not exceed acceptable standards.

When creating engines, manufacturers calculate the optimal viscosity of the engine oil. The fact that under the influence of certain temperatures it can change is also taken into account.

Flash is determined by heating in an open or closed crucible. To fix this parameter, you need to hold a lit wick over the location of the lubricant.

For the operating temperature of the engine oil, one important rule must be observed: this criterion can only increase by two degrees per minute. As for the lubricant, it should burn.

An important parameter of motor oil is its viscosity. It should not go beyond the normal limits; only in this case can normal engine operation be achieved.

The flash point is characterized by the presence of fractions in it. This indicator is related to the volatility of the material.

The optimal temperature is 225 °.

Fractions in the composition of combustible materials indicate their poor quality. Using this type of oil will cause rapid evaporation and burnout. Temperature properties will be affected.

Lubricants and combustible materials must always be of high quality. Otherwise, it will affect the operation of the engine. The temperature must be optimal, otherwise the viscosity will decrease and the fuel will evaporate faster. This points to one constant fact: everything in the engine must work harmoniously.

May 15, 2015

A number of requirements are imposed on lubricants used in a car and on motor oil in particular, which are associated not only with the characteristics of the physical and chemical processes occurring during engine operation, but also with operating conditions.

In order to have an idea of ​​what factors affect internal combustion engine lubricants, you should consider the basic concepts that describe temperature-dependent properties:

  • Flash point (t°);
  • boiling temperature;
  • Operating t°.

Temperature

Lubricants are used to prevent dry contact between the moving parts of internal combustion engines. They are designed to create a sliding boundary and separate rubbing parts. Flash point is related to a parameter such as evaporation.

Motor lubricant has a number of characteristics, including viscosity. Viscosity directly depends on temperature. The operating temperature range of the internal combustion engine forces manufacturers to take into account the change in viscosity from the moment the engine is started until it reaches the optimal mode.

Engine lubrication system

The rubbing parts of the internal combustion engine are lubricated continuously during its operation. The simplest system consists of an oil pump that provides circulation, a filter and channels in the cylinder head and block, crankshaft, etc., through which lubricant is supplied to the contact points. As a rule, the lubrication system has several sensors that monitor the most important parameters of the system:

  • Level sensor - notifies the driver that the level has dropped and requires replenishment or replacement;
  • Temperature sensor - mainly found on sports cars, the engines of which are constantly under enormous load;
  • Pressure sensor - warns of a drop in pressure in the lubrication system. The cause may be a clogged or faulty filter or a clogged oil line.

Determination of volatility

To determine the temperature at which light hydrocarbon vapors contained in motor oil flash, it is heated in a special crucible until the vapors begin to flash from an open flame. There is no flash in a running engine, but the lubricant can evaporate and so-called waste occurs. This is a slow and imperceptible process, and the oil level sensor ultimately only states a fact. The method for determining flash t° is regulated by GOST 6356.

Motor lubricant has two interdependent characteristics - viscosity and temperature. With increasing temperature, the viscosity decreases and vice versa, at low temperatures it becomes more viscous. In the description of the lubricant, both parameters are always indicated in the performance characteristics.

Flashes of volatile hydrocarbons occur when a certain temperature is reached, beyond which the process of boiling and evaporation begins. A flash t° of 225° Celsius and above is considered a good indicator; for comparison, diesel fuel vapors flare up at +55°. Low-quality petroleum products with low viscosity contain a large percentage of light fractions that burn out and, as a result, the volume of lubricating fluid decreases, as reported by the sensor.

Flash point is a characteristic that is largely used in laboratory and industrial use, and which the vast majority of car owners do not pay attention to. Manufacturers also do not focus consumers’ attention on the flash point, not indicating it on the packaging of motor oils.

terms of Use

The operating temperature range of motor oil is from -40 to +180 degrees. The industry produces motor lubricants with different viscosity-temperature characteristics that correspond to the required parameters, which in turn are dictated by the characteristics of the power plant and climate. Thus, in a diesel internal combustion engine there are different conditions, higher temperatures and fuel composition, requiring motor oils of a special formulation. The characteristics of a motor lubricator may vary depending on the structure of its base and a set of modifying additive components that prevent the oil from becoming more or less viscous under different temperature conditions, while maintaining lubricating properties. Parameters such as crankability and pumpability depend on environmental conditions.

Low temperature oils

The properties of low-temperature motor lubricants allow the vehicle to be operated in cold climatic conditions, while maintaining all optimal operating parameters - viscosity, fluidity and adhesion to metal surfaces.

It is known that the engine lubrication system operates in two modes simultaneously, lubricating rubbing parts under pressure and without pressure. The pressure is provided by a gear rotary or other type pump.

Under pressure, the surfaces of the crankshaft and camshaft and other engine components are usually lubricated; drip lubrication of the pistons occurs due to the splashing of oil by moving parts. At low temperatures, it becomes thicker and the force on the starter to turn the crankshaft increases, the engine has difficulty starting and the “oil pressure” sensor lights up. The lubricant hardens due to the hydrocarbons it contains of paraffin origin with a high boiling point, which tend to crystallize at low temperatures. Low-temperature lubricants contain a small amount of paraffin hydrocarbons and special additives that prevent the lubricant from thickening in the cold. To heat up the engine oil, some brands of cars have a forced crankcase heating function, which makes cold starting easier.

Effect of high temperatures

The transition of a substance from a liquid to a gaseous state can be expressed by simple evaporation or occur in the boiling phase of the liquid. The boiling range of most motor lubricants lies outside the normal operating parameters of the internal combustion engine.

High temperatures in the combustion chamber decompose lubricant particles trapped there into simple compounds in the form of soot, part of which is carried away by exhaust gases, and part of which settles as carbon deposits on the rings and piston. High-temperature oxidation processes of motor oils contribute to the formation of varnish deposits on the internal surfaces of the engine. The lower the quality of the motor oil, the lower its boiling point.

In automobile internal combustion engines, cooling is usually liquid. The temperature sensor on most cars is triggered when a threshold value of 85-90 degrees is reached, including forced engine cooling. The engine cooling system is structurally adjacent to the lubrication system, so in order for the engine oil to boil, you will need to warm up the engine to a temperature at which the coolant begins to evaporate first. For reference, the average boiling point of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze is 120-125 Celsius.

Reducing engine oil temperature

In sports cars with high-performance gasoline engines, the temperature of the engine oil should not exceed the operating temperature limits. To avoid overheating of the oil, a cooling system is installed on the power unit, consisting of an oil cooler, pipelines and a special adapter for the oil filter. A temperature sensor is often installed in the same circuit if the machine is not equipped with one from the factory. This additional cooling function contributes to better heat transfer from the motor operating under heavy load.

Understanding terms such as flash point, viscosity, thermal conditions and operating temperature range is just the minimum knowledge about motor lubrication that a car enthusiast needs. If we consider each parameter in more depth, we can find out that the flash point of, say, synthetic oils is on average lower than that of natural ones. Behind the physical processes are chemical transformations of complex substances, which a temperature sensor or oil pressure sensor will not tell you about; developers spend huge amounts of money on creating new chemical additive compounds that improve the properties of lubricants.

Conclusion

The vehicle's operating manual usually indicates the types of fluids used, including internal combustion engine lubricants. Deviation from the recommended parameters can lead to overheating and premature wear of the mechanisms.

The principle of operation of an internal combustion engine (ICE) is such that the result of its operation is a large release of heat. The heat inside the engine, especially in its cylinder-piston group, reaches 300°C and higher, if we consider diesel engines. Therefore, the engine oil temperature fluctuates widely as the lubricating fluid moves through the lubrication system inside the internal combustion engine.

Main functions of motor oils

A car engine has many components and parts. Their surfaces are constantly in contact, creating friction between themselves. The result of this phenomenon is increased wear. In addition, friction consumes a significant portion of the engine's efficiency, which is converted into heat.

High temperatures provoke expansion of the materials from which the parts are made. Expansion processes are accompanied by a decrease in the gap between the contacting surfaces. There will come a time when this gap simply disappears, and the internal combustion engine jams - this is what will happen if the unit operates without engine oil.

Engine oil performs a vital function, without which the unit simply cannot operate. It reduces the coefficient of friction by forming a thin oil film between contacting surfaces. In addition, lubricant increases engine efficiency and reduces wear of parts, promotes less heat generation, and also effectively removes it from rubbing surfaces. In addition to these functions, others are implemented:

The hydraulic fluid can also be controlled by pressure on hydraulic valve lash adjusters, hydraulic timing belt tensioners, and variable valve timing systems.

Lubrication system design

The most successful lubrication systems provide different amounts of lubricant, depending on the functional characteristics of the parts. Oil comes to the most critical components and parts under pressure. Less loaded areas receive it by splashing or natural flow. Such lubrication systems are usually called combined.

An oil pump is used to ensure the pressure of the working fluid inside the line. Experiencing such pressure, lubricating fluid from the engine crankcase is supplied to the oil filter. There it is cleaned and supplied to the bearings that ensure the rotation of the crankshaft. Next - to the piston pins, camshaft, valve rocker arms. If there is a turbine, the shaft on which it rotates will need oil. In addition, heat is removed from the inner surface of the pistons. The lubricant seals the gap between the oil scraper rings, as well as the piston compression rings and the engine cylinders, and prevents them from sticking. The liquid gets there, spraying from the nozzles at the bottom of the cylinder-piston block.

Next, the lubricant returns back to the oil pan. Along the way, it is sprayed by the crank mechanism, creating fog. It lubricates all the parts it envelops. From the mist, the lubricant condenses, returning to its original state and position. Thus, the cycle repeats again and again.

Temperature range of oil composition

The operating temperature of the oil varies widely - from ambient air to 180 degrees when passing through the cylinder-piston group. In this case, the metal surfaces of the pistons and cylinders are heated to 300°C. As it circulates through the engine, the oil composition tends to evaporate and burn away. To prevent hydrocarbon vapors from igniting inside the engine, it is necessary that their combustion temperature be higher than the one to which they are usually heated. This ability is determined by such an important parameter as the flash point of the oil.

To determine this parameter, the oil is placed inside the crucible. It is then heated until the fumes begin to flare up from the flame. The temperature is immediately measured. Usually it ranges from 220°C and above. This is enough to prevent working fluid vapors from igniting inside the engine. This parameter is not critical, so manufacturers do not indicate on the canisters what the ignition temperature of the oil is.

By the way, diesel vapors ignite at a much lower temperature, about 55–60°C. Having effective water cooling, it is possible to reduce the upper temperature limit of the oil composition to 105–115°C, which is a fairly significant indicator.

Viscosity-temperature characteristics

The stability and efficiency of their operation depends on the viscosity characteristics of lubricants. Viscosity, as well as the viscosity index, are one of the most important indicators, since they change during the transition from very low (-40 ° C) to high operating temperature conditions of the power unit.

According to the classifier of the American Society of Automotive Engineers SAE, motor oils are winter (0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W), summer (20, 30, 40, 50, 60), as well as all-season, which are commonly used everywhere - for example, 5W30 or 10W40.

The diagram shows the temperature ranges for using certain products. A very important indicator is the viscosity level in cold weather, as well as the pour point of the oil. That is, for example, 0W30 lubricant will allow you to start the engine at -40°C, ensuring its normal crankability. 5W30 will do the same down to -35°C and so on.

Overheating of lubricants is very dangerous for the engine. If the composition is heated to +125°C and above, it will lose its viscosity and will not be able to form an oil film. Therefore, it will penetrate into the combustion chamber through the piston rings, burning there along with the fuel. This is how soot deposits form and the lubricant burns out. That is why it is necessary to periodically check the oil level. It happens that a viscosity mismatch leads to lubricant consumption of up to 1 liter per 100–200 kilometers.

It is very important to use working fluids with the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. This parameter can be determined from the service book issued for each vehicle.

Car engines must withstand high mechanical thermal loads, so high demands are placed on the quality of the lubricant. Motor oils have characteristics and many indicators.

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Operating temperature range

Motor oil viscosity

A lubricant is used to prevent dry friction of internal engine parts. The engine fluid must ensure separation of the friction surfaces, effectively pumping through the oil channels. The flash point (hereinafter referred to as temp.) of a motor lubricant is a parameter characterizing its volatility.
Characteristics of motor oil - viscosity and dependence on temp. in a wide range.

Pace. flash is determined by heating the working fluid in an open or closed crucible, a device into which it is poured and heated. To fix the tempo. The state of the working fluid should be carried out over the crucible with a lit wick.

Working temp. Engine oil temperature should not rise by more than 2 degrees within 1 minute. The lubricant should not only flare up, but also burn. Low temp. motor oils increases the viscosity of the fluid, and vice versa.

The viscosity of motor oils, which is indicated in the operating manual, must be optimal.
The flash point of motor oils characterizes the presence of low-boiling fractions in it. It is associated with such an indicator as the volatility of the petroleum product during operation. Good working substances have tempo. flash indicators over 225°C.

Fractions with weak viscosity, which are available only in low-quality oils, burn out and evaporate very quickly. As a result, the lubricant is also quickly consumed. In addition, its temperature properties deteriorate.

35°C - 180°C - these are the operating temperature limits for oils. The temperature state of the working fluid depends on the design of the internal combustion engine and the temperature. air. To obtain good viscosity-temperature characteristics, the petroleum product is thickened using special additives that allow it to “liquefy” less when reaching high temperatures. and become thicker at low temperatures.

Classification

The operating temperature of a conventional water-cooled engine should be between 80°C and 90°C. Based on this, the working temp. the lubricant condition should be 10°C - 15°C higher than the temperature condition of the cooler, but not reach 105°C.

The operating viscosity may fall below 10 mm 2/s. As a result, the oil film will be too thin to provide a good lubricant for all parts in the engine.

It is worth knowing the temperature range of use of certain petroleum products.

The name of winter working fluids contains the letter “W”: 4OW, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W.

Summer ones are designated by numbers - 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. The viscosity is higher if the number is higher.

All-season lubricants have a double designation: SAE 15W-40.

There is a table of values ​​and characteristics of lubricant viscosity according to SAE:


The lubricant product can be gasoline, diesel and universal, as well as all-season, summer and winter. The characteristics of the lubricant depend on the base substance, which is the basis and with the help of which mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricant products are distinguished.

If the temperature range that provides the desired viscosity of the liquid is wide, then its index is higher, which means that such a product can be called high-quality. The working substance can have a low temp. the state that brings it to solidification is also high, that is, the boiling point. More on freezing later.

Low temperature

Low temperature parameters

It is important to remember not only the temperature outside, but also the working pace. in the engine, as it is affected by vehicle mileage and load.

In the engine of each car, two modes of lubricant supply are usually applicable:

  • boundary, in which lubrication around the pistons is carried out without pressure;
  • hydrodynamic, when the crankshaft is lubricated under pressure.

There are low temperature lubrication parameters. These include:

  • crankability, indicating the dynamic viscosity of motor oils and the temperature regime that makes the product liquid, such that it is possible to start the engine;
  • pumpability - a condition that allows oil to be pumped through the lubrication system.

It is worth noting that the operating temperature of pumpability is 5 degrees lower than the temperature state of crankability.

There is a table of temperature states of petroleum products.

For all-season and winter motor oils, low temp is important. solidification.
When starting a cold engine or while driving at a low temperature, the liquid enters the most remote places.

The pour point, which affects the flow of working fluid to the rubbing parts, must be lower than the temperature. environment. Pace. solidification of the motor oil product should be 5-10°C lower than the engine starting temperature.


Heat

Acceptability range

What can happen if the engine has warmed up to operating temperatures, but the lubricant viscosity has not decreased to the required level? Nothing bad will happen under heavy loads. The engine temperature will increase slightly, and the viscosity will decrease to normal.

The operating temperature indicators of the motor will not exceed the norm for this load and will fall within the permissible range. But the motor can operate for a fairly long period of time at high thermometer readings, which will not lead to an increase in its motor life.


Pouring new oil into the engine

Boiling temperature

Too much heat in the engine is more dangerous than too little heat. Increasing temperatures may cause the grease to boil. If you heat it to the boiling stage, you can see it bubble and smoke. The grease comes to a boil at 250-260 degrees.

At elevated temperatures, the viscosity of the lubricant decreases, which is why it will not be able to lubricate parts efficiently. In addition, reducing the gaps can lead to damage to the mechanism. If the temperature of the lubricant has risen to 125 degrees, then it will burn along with the fuel after it bypasses the piston rings.

In this case, the concentration of lubricant in the fuel will be low, so it will not be noticeable when exhausted. The liquid will be consumed quickly. Therefore, frequent refilling will be required. If the unit requires adding lubricant, then pay attention to this.

Why should a lubricant product not be brought to a boil?

Excessive load on the engine and insufficient care of it lead the liquid to a boiling state, at which it loses viscosity and other necessary qualities.


Flashes and solidification of engine oil

Flashes

The condition at which a flash appears on the surface of the lubricant when a gas flame is applied to it is called flash point. When the lubricant is heated, oil vapors are concentrated, which promote ignition.

There are differences in the flash and ignition temperature states that are related to the method of testing and the apparatus itself. The temperature state of flash and ignition are indicators of the volatility of the working substance, which determine its type, as well as the degree of its purification.

But the temperature states of ignition and flash cannot characterize the operation of the lubricant in the engine and its quality.

Freezing

If a substance ceases to be viscous and mobile, then this is called the pour point. A sharp increase in viscosity and the process of crystallization of paraffin is what characterizes hardening. A lubricant that is exposed to low temperatures becomes immobile and viscous. It gains a harder consistency and plasticity due to the release of hydrocarbon components.

The pour point is equivalent to the maximum minimum temp. fluid circulation and engine lubrication system.


  1. A lubricant with a high high-temperature viscosity is used for sports cars.
  2. But you should not use a product with this rating in a regular car. When choosing a lubricant, you need to rely on the vehicle’s operating instructions.
  3. Do not use a product with a high level of properties that are higher than those specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
  4. There is no need to pay special attention to the color of the lubricant, since the additives it contains make it dark.
  5. Replace the lubricant within the time frame specified by the manufacturer of your car.
  6. If the car often moves off-road, then such conditions require changing the lubricant 1.5-2 times more often than required by the instructions.
  7. It is worth replacing oxol more often if the car has significant mileage.
  8. If the color of oxol has changed, this does not mean that its performance properties have been lost. The lubricant washes away deposits in the engine.
  9. It is better not to mix mineral and synthetic petroleum products.
  10. Top up with the same grade that is already in the engine.
  11. You don't have to flush the engine if the fluid was replaced on time.

Video "Flash Point"

Watch a video about the effect of temperature on petroleum products.