This has nothing to do with my vette I just want to know…

Why is changing your oil so important?
What does oil do other than lubricate?
How does oil brake down?
What happens to the engine when it low or out of oil? What internal parts become damaged?

Sorry I don’t mean to sound stupid but I want to know


Thanks,
Scotty

 

Hi , Oil does become dirty and full of gas water and other things though the running and heating and cooling of the engine. That is why it should be changed at regular intervals, 3,000 to 5000 miles, is a good interval If you run on low oil your engine will be damaged, it may be possible to repair it. If you run your engine withou oil every moving part will be damaged, you will most likely need a new engine. This is a very short and simple explenationn I hope it helps. Paul

 

To answer your questions:

Why is changing your oil so important?

As your engine heats and cools, vapor forms in the oil pan and condenses into acidic water, not a good thing to be pumping through your engine. The filter does not filter out this condensation, therefore change your oil at about 3000 miles or three months.

What does oil do other than lubricate?

Some oils have a detergent in them (Rotella 15W-40 has lots) which keeps out carbon and other grime and keeps your engine cleaner inside. Also, think of oil as an ultra thin barrier between moving parts ie piston/rings and cylinder walls. If you didn't have this barrier, parts will literally weld themselves together, not a good thing for an engine.

How does oil brake down?

When oil heats up and cools down in the normal cycle of running an engine, the additives in oil are used up, and the constant heating and cooling of oil leads to reduction in viscosity, or oil's ability to lubricate.
If one changes his oil and filter at 3000 mile intervals, he is able to avoid the harsh side effects of oil breaking down completely. Synthetics are more able to resist breakdown, due to the fact that they are more able to resist heat, and have a higher flashpoint than conventional petroleum oils.

What happens to the engine when it low or out of oil? What internal parts become damaged?

Parts overheat due to the fact that there is no longer a lubricating barrier between them. Once overheating occurs, these parts literally fuse together, thus ruining your engine.

 

Thanks for your detailed answer

 

And lets not forget, the oil acts as a coolant... for the crank, cam, rods, bearings etc.... all those good, somewhat essential things inside the engine....

GUSTO