4 Common Causes of Oil Entering Your Engine's Air Filter

Have you ever checked your air filter on a regular basis? There will undoubtedly be contaminants, debris, and dirt. Nonetheless, oil should not be present in a properly functioning air filter. But what happens if there is oil in the air filter? This can be disastrous, and it happens frequently as a result of "blow-by," which happens when combustion gases exit the chamber and enter the crankcase.

Although engine oil is frequently required for proper engine operation, it should not be present in the air filter. If you notice this, it could be an indication that your engine is having serious issues. It would be preferable if you were able to savage the situation as soon as possible.

These are frequently caused by blow-by from a faulty PCV valve, worn-out piston rings, and a clogged oil channel. As a result, this article delves deeper into the causes of oil getting into air filters. A quick look will give you a better understanding.

What Is the Source of Oil in the Air Filter?

As you try to figure out the drawbacks of oil sitting in the air filter, it is critical to understand what causes the air filter's oil filter. In fact, engine oil is excellent at preventing excessive friction between the machine's heating parts as they move. Furthermore, by allowing the refrigerant or coolant to travel throughout the engine, the oil can help reduce overheating cases. Before I explain why you might find oil in your air filter, you should first understand how the air filter works.

It effectively ensures that the engine can freely "breathe." As a result, you can rest assured that the engine will operate smoothly. It collects contaminants and debris that have accumulated and endanger the engine. The air cleaner is then cleaned and any accumulated dirt is removed as part of routine maintenance.

What should I do if I notice oil in my air intake?

What causes oil to build up in an automobile's air filter? Should I be concerned about oil leaking from the air filter of my diesel engine? As they work on their engines, most people's minds are filled with these and other similar questions. The primary reason you have oil in your engine's air filter is due to a condition known as "Blow-by."

The pressure created in the crankcase by the oil, air, and fuel sips through the piston rings enables your engine to run smoothly. Nonetheless, to avoid unexpected damage, it is recommended that you keep a close eye on your engine's lean or rich running. When there is minor blow-by, it appears normal, and the piston rings do not seal against the "cylinder walls."

However, there is a significant problem when there is excessive blow-by. As a result of some combustion cycle waste with the mixture venting into the air intake and crankcase, there is a reduction in horsepower and fuel economy. This kind of situation can even result in engine knocking.

4 common causes of oil entering your engine's air filter

Keeping this in mind, consider the following are 4 common causes of oil entering your engine's air filter:

PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Valve Clog

"Where did the oil in my generator air filter come from?" It could be the result of a clogged PCV valve caused by contamination. Please keep in mind that these PCV valves contribute to the reduction of harmful gas emissions from engines. They help to redirect blow-by into the air intake instead of polluting the environment. Like the oil filter, the PCV valve must be replaced on a regular basis. Blow-by may enter the PCV seal that appears between gaskets or other small spaces when the engine's PCV valve becomes clogged. You might notice that the valve is allowing more oil to enter than is intended.

Piston Rings With Seen Better Days

The piston rings are the seals that exist between the piston and the cylinder walls and help to increase the force that the combustion of the air-fuel mixture applies in the combustion chamber. You will notice that your engine has gained strength when the force appears to be firmer. Please keep in mind that increased exhaust smoke and excessive oil consumption are both common symptoms of a "bad" piston ring. Depending on where the engine part is located, you may notice your piston rings succumbing to wear and tear. Is it difficult for you to tell if your piston ring is faulty? You can verify that the pressure in the cylinder is the same as the pressure in the other cylinders.

Obstruction in an Oil Path or Channel

Modern engine oils, without a doubt, can last a long time, but they must be changed at regular intervals. You'll notice a nasty nudge forming in the engine if you don't change the oil. As a result, the engine paths become clogged, and sludge may end up in unexpected places.

Air Filters (Aftermarket)

Excessive work in the air filter can cause extensive wear and tear over time. Some engine air filters can be reused, while others cannot. Please keep in mind that reusable aftermarket air filters such as Mann are available. When using reusable filters, you must prepare and clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you decide that the air filter needs replacing, you may only need to apply an oily film to the filter's outside before using it. Please keep in mind that a clogged or damaged air filter can reduce engine airflow and result in an air-fuel imbalance. In such a case, a faulty spark plug can illuminate the "check engine" light.

What is the significance of the presence of oil in the air filter?

The presence of oil in your air filter indicates that there is excessive carbon deposition or engine sludge formation in the engine's crankcase. The PCV valve frequently fails as a result of accumulated debris.

Second, clogged oil in the air filter can be caused by a worn piston ring, which keeps gases sealed within the combustion chamber. A dirty or damaged air filter, as well as a clogged oil channel, can also cause the oil filter in the air filter to fail. Nonetheless, with the right tools, you can save the situation and ensure that the engine runs properly.

How do I remove oil from my air filter?

If you notice oil in your car's air filter, carefully remove the air filter. Then, clean the air boot by removing any dirt that has accumulated and spraying it with contact cleaner. Then, to remove the contaminants, soak the engine's air filter in an appropriate cleaner. Then, take out the submerged air filter and squeeze out any excess moisture. It is desirable to wash and rinse the vehicle with a suitable vehicle solvent afterward. During this process, inspect the air filter for any possible holes and determine whether it needs to be replaced. Apply some oil to the filter and clean the filter cage after it has dried before reinstalling it.

Is it bad for the engine to have an oiled air filter?

There is no reason to be concerned about a light coating of oil in the air intake manifold. The small amount of oil present ensures that no more dirt passes through the filter. Nonetheless, maintaining and cleaning the oiled filters, which may appear to be detrimental to the engine's overall performance, is critical. There have been reports of oiled filters causing the Mas Airflow Sensor in the engine to fail. When the air filter becomes dirty or odorous, it must be cleaned and, if necessary, replaced. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if you need to re-oil the filter.

Will an obstructed 'air filter' result in excessive oil consumption?

Of course. Excessive oil consumption is a mechanical problem caused by oil leakage. Nonetheless, leaks from the crankshaft seals and the gasket cover valve could be the source of the problem. The engine is more likely to consume more oil when the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and other contaminants. The clogged filter's restriction of the intake tract would cause the vacuum levels to rise. As a result of such activities, the oil seals deteriorate. Because of the increased vacuum, the oil is forced past the seals, causing the engine to burn too much oil.

An engine's air filter is critical to its operation because it allows the engine to run efficiently. It helps to trap contaminants like sand, dirt, and grime that could harm your engine. This is the main reason why regular car service in Reading is important to keep, but what if there is oil in the air filter? If such a situation is not addressed promptly, it can result in significant engine damage.