Re: ihc-digest V5 #216 Detergent Oil

[Steve Stegmann <stegmann@domain.elided>]

Scouters,

Detergent oil contains chemicals that prevent dirt, metal shavings, etc 
from dropping out of suspension in the oil.  This gives the filter a 
chance to grab them.  Non detergent oil will let the dirt drop out of 
suspension when the oil stops moving.  This partailly explains why 
engines were so filthy onthe inside when you would open them years ago.

There's more to the dirt and sludge than this.  Nothing is ever simple.  
If the oil gets too hot anywhere it will cook out some of the carbon and 
varnish which helps to form the sludge.  Also part of the sludge is carbon 
from the combustion process which gets past the rings.

Of course gasoline contains quite a bit of sulphur, this is used to make
acid which gets into the oil, as does water which is the main product of
combustion.  If you don't get the oil hot enough to cook out the water and
acid, guess what it does to the steel.  Re: short trips.

Steve

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Steven A. Stegmann
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