Of the three primary reasons for oil burning in engines, a faulty PCV valve is the most straightforward to address. Unlike the more complex issues such as bad piston rings, cylinder walls, or valve seals that often require a complete engine overhaul, dealing with a bad PCV valve is a simpler fix. An engine overhaul can be both expensive and time-consuming, taking your car out of commission for an extended period.
However, there’s a more accessible option to consider. Instead of altering the internal components of your engine to make them more compatible with the oil, you can change the oil itself to better suit the existing parts.
Motor Honey, an oil treatment added to your regular motor oil during an oil change, is designed to reduce oil burning and the associated smoke without modifying the engine. With just one bottle per oil change, it’s a cost-effective solution, almost paying for itself immediately by replacing about half a quart of motor oil. Compared to regularly adding oil between changes or facing the expense of an engine overhaul or a new catalytic converter, Motor Honey can potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
While we won’t claim it’s a magical solution or that it can solve all problems, its simplicity and affordability make it worth a try.
Identifying Oil Burning: How Can I Tell If My Car Is Burning Oil?
The most evident sign of an engine burning oil is the presence of blue or gray smoke coming from the tailpipe. However, even without visible smoke, your engine may still be burning oil. Check the oil level using the dipstick; if it’s low, the oil is either leaking or burning inside the engine. A new oil spot under your parked car indicates a leak, while the absence of an oil spot suggests burning oil.
Root Causes of Engine Oil Burning: What Causes an Engine to Burn Oil?
Your engine is designed to keep oil out of the combustion chamber, where fuel is burned. If your car is burning oil, it means that oil is somehow entering the combustion chamber. This can happen due to worn piston rings or cylinder walls, worn valve seals, or a malfunctioning PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve.
Is Burning Oil a Genuine Concern?
While some may argue that burning oil is normal for engines, it depends on your definition of “normal.” If by “normal” you mean common, then yes, burning engine oil is a prevalent issue, especially in older cars. However, it remains a problem, even if common. It’s not a desirable state; your car is not designed to burn oil excessively.
Ignoring the problem is not recommended either. Oil is crucial for preventing engine damage by reducing friction. If the oil level becomes too low, it fails to provide essential protection. Even if you continuously add oil to prevent it from getting low, burning oil can still lead to significant issues. The smoke produced can damage the catalytic converter, leading to an expensive replacement. Additionally, smoke and soot can decrease engine power and fuel efficiency while increasing exhaust emissions, harming both the environment and your wallet.
Effective Ways to Prevent Engine Oil Burning:
Here are seven practical ways to prevent your engine from burning oil without the need for engine removal:
1. Check Ventilation:
- Examine and clean the oil separator and the valve limiting vacuum in the crankcase ventilation system. A frozen valve can lead to oil being sucked out of the engine, causing contamination.
2. Clean the Injectors:
- Ensure the injectors spray fuel effectively to prevent inefficient burning and oil buildup on cylinder walls. Regular cleaning or using detergent additives can help maintain injector performance.
3. Use High-Octane Fuel:
- Opt for high-octane fuel to reduce engine temperature and prevent the coking of piston rings, which can lead to oil entering the combustion chamber.
4. Monitor Temperature:
- Regularly clean engine and air conditioner cooling radiators to prevent overheating. Be cautious with fine-mesh nets protecting radiators, as they can impede air circulation and increase engine temperature.
5. Change Oil by Hour:
- Change oil based on engine hours or average car speed rather than mileage. This approach ensures timely oil replacement, preventing the oil from becoming less effective over time.
6. Use More Viscous Oil:
- Experiment within the permissible viscosity limits specified in the factory instructions. Thicker oil can be suitable for older engines, but modern engines may require careful consideration.
7. Apply Decarbonization:
- Consider decarbonization as a last resort before engine disassembly. Pour a decoking fluid into cylinders, pump out the dirty liquid, apply lubricant to cylinder walls, and observe the results.
It’s advisable to implement these preventive measures even if your car’s engine doesn’t currently exhibit oil-burning issues. Taking proactive steps may help avoid oil burning altogether.
Hopefully, by following these tips, you can maintain a healthy engine and prevent the troublesome issue of oil burning. Remember that regular maintenance and attentive care go a long way in ensuring the longevity of your vehicle.
