The automotive industry is moving towards smaller engines that deliver more power while still being more fuel efficient than ever before. There are several technologies that have enabled these higher power levels and better fuel economy; today we will look at turbochargers and gasoline direct injection (GDI) that usually accompany them.
Fuel Dilution
GDI technology places the fuel injectors directly in the combustion chamber. This is different than older injection technology which places the injectors in the manifold, before the intake valve. This direct injection method allows engineers to fine tune the engines for the most power and highest efficiency possible. However, a side effect of spraying fuel at high pressure directly into the cylinder increases the likelihood of fuel washing past the rings and into the oil pan below. Ford* has even released a technical service bulletin about fuel odor in engine oil. Technical service bulletin (14-0040) entitled “Fuel Odor From Engine Oil and/or Engine Oil Level Overfull” is directed at Ford’s F-150 trucks equipped with the 3.5L Ecoboost* engine. The Ecoboost engine is a turbo-charged GDI motor.
Why is gas in your oil a concern?
Fuel thins out oil and when enough is added, it can adversely affect oil viscosity. Without the proper viscosity, the engine is at risk of running with oil pressure outside of the designed range.
Also, fuel contamination degrades oil at a faster rate then non-contaminated oil. What this means is that your oil life is reduced and its ability to lubricate as well as protect the vital components within your engine is reduced.
What can you do to protect your engine?
Using a high quality full synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series, thats how.
A way to measure and compare oils is with a Thermo-oxidation Engine Oil Simulation Test (TEOST). The TEOST test looks at oil’s tendency to form deposits at high temperatures, high temperatures like we are discussing here in turbocharged systems. As we can see in the TEOST graph below, AMSOIL is an industry leader in keeping deposits from forming on pistons.
What have we learned today?
For all the advantages of turbocharging and GDI systems, there are some drawbacks. Turbochargers and GDI systems create an environment that is brutal on oil. With that being said though, the use of high-quality fully synthetic oils like AMSOIL can help reduce these drawbacks and keep your engine protected.
As always we are here to answer any questions you may have. Please reach out to us here and share on your favorite social media site below.
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