It should be noted that engine oil is an indispensable and important component of diesel generator sets. It is a lubricant that ensures the normal operation of the engine, while also taking away the heat generated by the engine during operation, cleaning fine metal debris generated after wear, and having functions such as sealing, vibration reduction, and rust prevention. Some users may not be rigorous enough in using engine oil when using diesel generator sets, resulting in the mixing of new and old engine oil or different brands and viscosities, which is very dangerous.
Mixing new and old engine oil: When new and old engine oil are mixed, due to the large amount of oxidizing substances in the old engine oil, it will accelerate the oxidation of the new engine oil, thereby reducing the service life and performance of the new engine oil.
Mixing gasoline engine oil and diesel engine oil: Although both gasoline and diesel engine oil are formulated from base oil and additives, there are essential differences in their specific formulas and proportions. For example, diesel engine oil contains more additive components, and diesel engine oil with the same viscosity level also has a higher viscosity than gasoline engine oil. Mixing two types of lubricating oils may result in engine overheating, wear during low-temperature starting, and other malfunctions.
Mixing of different brands of engine oil: Engine oil is mainly composed of a combination of base oil, viscosity index improver, and additives. Different brands of engine oil, even if the type and viscosity level are the same, may have differences in the composition of the base oil or additives.
Mixing different brands of engine oil can have the following effects on diesel generators:
(1) Oil turbidity: Regardless of whether the brand is the same or not, different types of oil may become turbid when mixed. Because each type of engine oil has different chemical additives, mixing may cause chemical reactions, reduce lubrication effectiveness, and may also produce acid-base compounds to accelerate damage to engine parts.
(2) Abnormal exhaust: Mixing different brands of engine oil may also cause abnormal exhaust smoke, such as black or blue smoke. Because the oil may be diluted after being mixed, the oil is prone to entering the cylinder and burning, causing blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. Or the mixing of engine oil may cause the cylinder to not seal tightly, resulting in black smoke from the exhaust.
(3) Generating sludge: Mixing different engine oils can easily produce sludge, which can reduce the heat dissipation effect of the engine oil, leading to high engine temperatures and easily causing malfunctions. It can also clog filters, oil ducts, etc., causing poor circulation and engine lubrication.
(4) Accelerated wear: When mixed with engine oil, its anti-wear performance may undergo significant changes, damaging the oil film and easily causing piston and cylinder wall wear, and in severe cases, piston ring fracture.
Diesel generator set oil should be mixed as much as possible, as different types of additives may cause chemical reactions, leading to various faults and damage problems. If there is insufficient oil during operation and it is necessary to mix oil, it is advisable to choose oil of the same type and viscosity as much as possible.
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