January 24, 2025 • VISCOSITY, Industry
One of themost commoncauses of fuel dilutionis incomplete combustion.When the fuel does not burn completely, it can enter the engine oilandsubsequentlyreduce its properties.Dilutioncan also be caused by engine idling, aggressivedriving,and short trips. Theseactions can cause the engine to run cooler thanusual, which keeps the engine from completing the combustion process,increasing theriskof fuel dilution.
Engineoilsaredesigned to lubricatetheircomponents, reducefriction,wear,contaminantsand heat. However, theoil breaks down over time,and its propertiesloseeffect.The reductionorloss of oileffectiveness iscalled degradation,andit can lead to reduced fuel efficiencyandincreased engine wear.
Some of the most commonfactors that cancauseoil degradationare contamination,high temperatures,and oxidation. Contamination,such as dirt, debris,and moisture,can reduce the oil’s lubrication abilities. High engine temperaturesbreakdown the oil quicker, leadingto ineffectiveness, and oxidation occurs when the oil reacts with oxygen and degrades.
Both oil degradation and fueldilutioncan havesevereconsequences for an engine. Ifleft unchecked,they can generatesignificant damageto themachine,increasing repair costs andsubstantially decreasingthe engine´s lifespan.Fuel dilutionnot onlyimpactsthe oil’sviscosityand engine performancebutcan alsoreducefuel efficiencyandincrease engine wearandoil consumptionwhile also causingvarnish and sludge.
Oil degradation,on the other hand, reduces the effectiveness of the lubricating propertiesand the engine cooling, leadingto increased friction and heat.As withfuel dilution, degraded oil canalsocause the formation ofpiston deposits,sludgeand varnish in the engine.
If nottimelyaddressed, both dilution and degradation can cause irreversible and complete engine failure.
The most important way to prevent these issues is always following the vehiclemanufacturer’srecommendations for oil changesand only using the oils meeting the recommended oil specifications. Doingregularoil changeswithin thepropertimeframeswill help removecontaminantsand prevent the oil from breaking down.Usingthe recommendedhigh-quality engine oilsis extremely important, as theseproducts need to account for the demands and pressure different engines are subjected to,especiallythe heavy-duty kind such as the ones found intheagriculture and construction industries.
VISCOSITY’s UNITEK line of diesel engine oilshas been specifically designed for high-demand vehicles,providingextended protection and enhanced performance.With full synthetic, semi–synthetic,and regular alternatives, UNITEK is a low-emission diesel oil that protects your engine against soot buildup and deposits, keeping it clean and performing at its peak even under severe mechanical stress and low temperatures. This is just one of the many productsVISCOSITYOil has formulated to protect heavy-duty equipment, a mission that has kept the company on the move for over 130 years and counting. Premium, high-quality products make a differencein maintaining your engine, and VISCOSITY Oil understands the importanceof having a trusted solution that can account for the many demandsonthe field. Counting on reliable, high-performing oil is, therefore, a key aspect when it comes to preventing degradation and dilution, as well as other common engine issues. Andword to the wise:onceyou’vefound a reliable oil,don’tgo mixing it with other brands! Even thoughthey mightmeetthe same requirements,the interaction betweenthetwo different compositions and the engine couldalso cause damage.
Finally,it’simportant to address any possible mechanical failure as soon as it is noted. Neglecting to address minor issues—such asleaky fuel injectors or worn piston rings—,can result in bigger and more complex malfunctions that can lead to downtimes andadditionalexpenses.Warming up the engine before driving is a good andstraightforwardpreventive measure for fuel dilution –especially oncold daysand during the winter season – as the engine reaches itsoptimaloperating temperature quicker.It is alsoessentialto clean the tank regularly to make surethere arenot too many particles that might end up reacting with the fuel or clogging the filters and injectors.
Oil degradation and fuel dilution can be diagnosedwithoil analysis tests that measure theengine oil’sviscosity, contamination levels, and chemical composition.
Some signs that an engine might be facing fuel dilution or oil degradation are:
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Increased engine noise
- Burning smell from the engine
- Hard start or rough idle
- Sudden drop in oil pressure or power
- If you suspect that there might be something going onwith your vehicle,don’thesitate to take immediateprecautions.Remember: high-quality products will makea huge difference, so if your current products are not meeting expectations, you can always switch to a tested solution specifically designed for high demand vehicles and take on the VISCOSITY Oil route ofoptimalperformance,meetingandevenexceeding API standards.Actingon timecould savebothyour engine and your wallet!Somake a swift and smooth transition into the VISCOSITY Oil Family and check out our product cross-reference guide to continue working in fluid motion with the highest protection for your equipment.