If you've ever explained how a car works to someone, you may have said, "An engine is the heart of the vehicle." Like a human heart, the entire system runs well when in good shape. One of the secrets to keeping everything in good shape is oil management. It’s what keeps all the engine parts working in sync. But achieving that balance takes more than just oil changes—it requires careful attention to both oil management and using high-quality engine parts. Neglect these areas, and you’re likely to face problems like oil consumption and loss, which can slowly build into major issues, causing costly repairs and poor engine performance.

At Wilmink Engine Parts, we understand your challenges and have the solutions you need. Our high-quality parts and expert advice will help keep your engines running like new.

In this post, we'll look at how to determine the causes of oil consumption and leakage. We'll also review steps you can take to avoid these common issues. Knowing how these factors affect an engine will save you from major problems.

Why is Good Oil Maintenance Important?

Oil is the lifeblood of an engine that’s made of for example lubricants. Its composition reduces friction, regulates temperature, and keeps things clean by carrying away contaminants. But over time, even the best oil loses its effectiveness. The result is increased friction, sludge buildup, and blocked oil passages.

While advances in oil composition and engine development have extended the mileage between oil changes, regular oil changes and keeping an eye on oil levels are still important. 

Regular maintenance ensures peak performance and prevention of excessive wear and tear. And, beyond performance, a well-maintained oil system improves fuel efficiency and help reduce emissions.

Neglecting oil maintenance doesn't just affect performance, it can lead to severe engine problems. A too low oil level or older oil can cause engine damage. If ignored, the engine will eventually seize and damage the entire drivetrain.

What are the Causes of Oil Consumption?

Today's engines may be far more complicated but are also built to operate for longer miles than ever. However, regardless of engine longevity, the factors that can cause oil consumption haven't changed. And understanding these issues will help you stay ahead of problems:

• Valves: High temperature and aging oil can result in hardening of the valve stem rubbers. As a result, they will no longer seal properly and leak oil past the valve stem into the combustion chamber.
• Turbocharger: More and more engines are equipped with a turbocharger as standard. These operate under intense heat and pressure and need constant oil flow. If that flow gets disrupted, oil can leak into the exhaust or intake systems and the turbo can overheat. And continual excessive heat will lead to a turbocharger failure. Inspecting a turbocharger and the regularly mounted oil supply filter during regular maintenance intervals is essential to avoid failure.
• Pistons: Pistons, because of poorly designed parts or improper assembly can create sealing issues and valve damage. Quality parts and accurate measurements during assembly are critical to ensure everything stays within the correct tolerances.
• Piston Rings: To reduce friction in the engine, piston rings are made thinner and thinner. Especially in the case of oil-scraper springs, this can lead to clogging of the spring, preventing it from properly discharging the scraped oil. The oil burns in the combustion chamber, which will cause higher oil usage. Installing rings correctly during the overhaul you can prevent these issues.

What Can Cause Oil Loss?

Oil loss can be as concerning as oil consumption and often goes unnoticed until the damage is already done. While consumption may seem minor initially, oil loss can lead to severe engine problems if left unaddressed.

The good news is that many causes are preventable with the proper practices. Let's look at two of the most common culprits, especially when rebuilding engines:

• Sealants: Using the wrong sealant for the application or improper use will cause problems. Always follow the sealant manufacturer's instructions and make sure surfaces are clean before application.
• Foreign Particles or Dirt: Dirt particles trapped between seals can block or damage the sealing surface, leading to leaks. Keeping components clean and having a clean work environment during assembly prevents contamination.

What Wilmink Can Offer

As in any vehicle repair, managing oil consumption and loss requires the right components. And Wilmink Engine Parts has you covered. Our product range includes everything from valves and piston rings to turbochargers and sealants, so your engine gets precisely what it needs. Our parts are from OE quality and are known for their reliability and performance.

We have the solutions, whether you're addressing existing issues or preventing future ones. Check out our webshop for the full range of products and let Wilmink Engine Parts keep your engines running smoothly.