How to dilute hydraulic oil in winter. What kind of oil to pour into the hydraulics of the manipulator for the winter

29.09.2019

Statistics show that up to 70% of all hydraulic breakdowns are caused by contamination of the system or the ingress of foreign particles into it. Any professional mechanic knows that the purity of the hydraulic oil is the key to the long life of hydraulic machines. But cleanliness isn't everything. It is equally important to choose the right hydraulic fluid and correctly replace it. This is what we will talk about today.

There are two things to consider when choosing a hydraulic fluid. The first is the ambient temperature during operation. The second is the viscosity of the liquid in the operating temperature range. The second parameter is indicated in the instruction manual for each specific machine. Some sources say that the viscosity of the recommended hydraulic fluid depends on the type of hydraulic pump that is used in the system. This is not entirely true. Viscosity at operating temperature is calculated based on the capacity of the narrowest channels in the hydraulic system, since the hydraulic fluid must have a certain flow rate through these channels, otherwise the hydraulics will not work correctly. Thus, on many construction machines using the same models of hydraulic pumps, different types and brands of hydraulic fluid are often used. For example, in the hydraulic systems of modern excavators, so-called "proportional" valves with a very small channel section are used. The system is quite complex, with electronic control components. If the viscosity of the hydraulic oil for such hydraulics is not properly selected, the machine will not work at full capacity. The accuracy of operations or their speed may decrease. The type of recommended oil is indicated, as a rule, in the cab on special information plates or directly on the hydraulic system tank, next to the filler neck. On modern imported equipment today, high-index oil of the HVLP class is most often recommended for use. This is a hydraulic oil with a more modern additive package than in HLP class oils. Oils of this class have more stable temperature and viscosity indicators, and in Siberian operating conditions, especially in winter, they work perfectly in any weather. Manufacturers indicate for these oils the temperature range of application from -30 to +60 degrees Celsius. In addition to stable temperature characteristics, oils of this class have a multifunctional package of additives that improve the antioxidant, anticorrosion, antiwear, depressant, demulsifying, and antifoam properties of the liquid.

VMHZ vs HVLP

For a long time, two brands of hydraulic oil were used in Russian technology: VMGZ and MGE-46. In principle, these oils have good performance characteristics, but only for equipment that is operated in a relatively light mode: loaders, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, light cranes. If there is such a need, then it is not forbidden to use this oil in imported equipment that does not work in very harsh conditions. However, it is not recommended to use these oils in hydraulics, which are controlled by servo drives. If we are talking about hydraulics, which are subject to very serious requirements for reliability and performance, then experts advise paying attention to imported hydraulic oils. However, not so long ago, domestic products appeared on the Russian market, which, in terms of their characteristics, are practically not inferior to modern imported counterparts. For example, TNK launched a series of hydraulic oils a few years ago. In the new line of this manufacturer, along with MGE oils and analogues of VMGZ all-weather oil, lubricants of the HLP and HVLP classes are already presented. Experts are still cautious about the quality of Russian oils of this class. They do not praise much, but they do not make serious claims either. The basis for this oil is still domestic raw materials. Strange as it may seem, the service life of these oils is 2-3 times less than that of imported analogues.

But the use of the so-called "spindle" in hydraulics (industrial oils I-20, I-30, etc.), which is so massively used in industry, is strictly prohibited. These oils have a very high hygroscopicity, that is, upon contact with air, they begin to actively absorb water molecules. This leads to catastrophic consequences for the hydraulic system, ranging from corrosion to water hammer in the system. In addition, industrial oils practically lack the necessary package of additives that protect the internal surfaces of the hydraulic system from premature aging.

As for preferences in choosing one or another brand of hydraulic oil, in this matter you can completely rely on your taste, as they say. The fact is that there were no significant differences in the composition of oils of the same class from different manufacturers. The basic additive packages are the same for all companies. There are not so many base oil manufacturers around the world. There is a difference in composition, of course. Each manufacturer strives to highlight some important characteristics of their oil. One relies on thermal properties, the other on increased corrosion protection, the third on extended service life, and so on. These are already nuances. This cannot be said about Russian-made hydraulic oils that are supplied to the market without a trademark. Therefore, even if you make a choice in favor of VMGZ or MGE class oils, it is better to buy products from leading Russian manufacturers (Lukoil, TNK and others). The choice in favor of a particular brand is often determined by the cost of the equipment itself. The difference in price between oils of the same class from different manufacturers can be up to 20%. As a rule, owners of expensive new cars prefer not to save on oils, especially since during the warranty period they are forced to agree to the oils that they are offered at a dealer service center. Buyers and owners of used imported cars prefer Russian leaders in the lubricants market and foreign manufacturers in the middle price segment.

The most important rule when choosing the oils used is, firstly: to be guided by the instructions of the equipment manufacturers, which are primarily guided by generally accepted international standards (SAE, ISO.); and secondly: of all products that meet the stated requirements, give preference to the most reputable brands and reliable suppliers. Otherwise, failures in the operation of the hydraulic systems are possible. Select Lubricants currently produces hydraulic oils of the SL-Hydraulic series, applicable in all cases where high quality, reliable hydraulic oil is required, with a high viscosity index and capable of operating over a wide range of temperatures and pressures in the most adverse climatic conditions.

Winter and summer…

Hydraulic oils are not recommended for year-round use. Especially when it comes to used equipment. In pumps with a high degree of wear, the gaps between the rubbing parts are larger. If at the same time winter oil is also used, the viscosity of which becomes very low with strong heating, then the performance of the hydraulic pump will drop sharply. The oil pumped by the pump will simply spill between the plunger and the pump housing. This reduces not only the efficiency of the pump, but also the pressure in the system. Working in winter with summer oil can lead to oil starvation of the pump due to its low pumpability. This happens especially often on equipment that is equipped with powerful hydraulic pumps (truck cranes, concrete pumps, excavators, etc.). Some "craftsmen" add a certain amount of diesel fuel to the hydraulic system to reduce the viscosity of frozen oil. This leads to very dire consequences. The fact is that during the operation of the hydraulic system, despite the presence of anti-foam additives in the oil, air bubbles form in the hydraulic fluid. With intensive work, the oil seems to boil. If there is fuel in the oil, then inside such bubbles, instead of ordinary air, an almost ready-made fuel-air mixture is formed. When oil is compressed in hydraulic cylinders, absolutely the same process occurs as in a diesel engine: the mixture in the bubbles ignites under pressure and very quickly destroys the seals of the hydraulic cylinders. When disassembling cylinders, specialists repairing hydraulics quite often come across melted seals - this is the result of adding "diesel fuel" to the oil.

Rules of "working hygiene"

Instructions for changing the hydraulic fluid are available from almost all manufacturers of construction equipment. Unfortunately, not everyone reads them, and only a few observe them at all. Let us remind ourselves of the basic rules. Oil must be stored in a closed, clean container. Before pouring fresh oil from the hydraulic tank, remove all the dirt that has settled in it over the months of previous operation. Oil should only be filled from clean containers. Hydraulic systems should be refueled by pumping oil, not by filling. In this case, the likelihood of dirt from the surface of the container getting into the system is significantly reduced. Hydraulic systems should be filled through a filter, since the purity of the liquid, even in the original container, does not always meet the requirements of hydraulic equipment. Oil that has been in contact with air can be stored for no more than two years. If it turned out that you had to drain oil from the hydraulic system that did not have time to work out its time (this often happens with various hydraulic breakdowns), then before pouring it back in, it does not hurt to analyze its characteristics. It doesn't cost that much. If we are talking about heavy equipment with large refueling volumes, then this procedure will justify itself.

Especially when it comes to used equipment. In pumps with a high degree of wear, the gaps between the rubbing parts are larger. If at the same time winter oil is also used, the viscosity of which becomes very low with strong heating, then the performance of the hydraulic pump will drop sharply. The oil pumped by the pump will simply spill between the plunger and the pump housing. This reduces not only the efficiency of the pump, but also the pressure in the system. Working in winter with summer oil can lead to oil starvation of the pump due to its low pumpability. This happens especially often on equipment that is equipped with powerful hydraulic pumps (truck cranes, concrete pumps, excavators, etc.). Some "craftsmen" add a certain amount of diesel fuel to the hydraulic system to reduce the viscosity of frozen oil. This leads to very dire consequences. The fact is that during the operation of the hydraulic system, despite the presence of anti-foam additives in the oil, air bubbles form in the hydraulic fluid. With intensive work, the oil seems to boil. If there is fuel in the oil, then inside such bubbles, instead of ordinary air, an almost ready-made fuel-air mixture is formed. When oil is compressed in hydraulic cylinders, absolutely the same process occurs as in a diesel engine: the mixture in the bubbles ignites under pressure and very quickly destroys the seals of the hydraulic cylinders. When disassembling cylinders, specialists repairing hydraulics quite often come across melted seals - this is the result of adding "diesel fuel" to the oil.

Hydraulic Fluid Replacement Instructions

Replacement Instructions hydraulic fluid are available from almost all manufacturers of special equipment. Unfortunately, not everyone reads them, and only a few observe them at all. Let us remind ourselves of the basic rules. Oil must be stored in a closed, clean container. Before pouring fresh oil from the hydraulic tank, remove all the dirt that has settled in it over the months of previous operation. Oil should only be filled from clean containers. Hydraulic systems should be refueled by pumping oil, not by filling. In this case, the likelihood of dirt from the surface of the container getting into the system is significantly reduced. Hydraulic systems should be filled through a filter, since the purity of the liquid, even in the original container, does not always meet the requirements of hydraulic equipment. Oil that has been in contact with air can be stored for no more than two years. If it turned out that you had to drain oil from the hydraulic system that did not have time to work out its time (this often happens with various hydraulic breakdowns), then before pouring it back in, it does not hurt to analyze its characteristics. It doesn't cost that much. If we are talking about heavy equipment with large refueling volumes, then this procedure will justify itself.

Statistics show that up to 70% of all breakdowns hydraulics caused by contamination of the system or the ingress of foreign particles into it. Any professional mechanic knows that the purity of the hydraulic oil is the key to the long life of hydraulic machines. But cleanliness isn't everything. It is equally important to choose the right hydraulic fluid and correctly replace it. This is what we will talk about today.

When choosing hydraulic fluid two parameters should be taken into account. The first is the ambient temperature during operation. The second is the viscosity of the liquid in the operating temperature range. The second parameter is indicated in the instruction manual for each specific machine. Some sources say that the viscosity of the recommended hydraulic fluid depends on the type of hydraulic pump that is used in the system. This is not entirely true. Viscosity at operating temperature is calculated based on the capacity of the narrowest channels in the hydraulic system, since the hydraulic fluid must have a certain flow rate through these channels, otherwise the hydraulics will not work correctly. Thus, on many construction machines using the same models of hydraulic pumps, different types and brands of hydraulic fluid are often used. For example, in the hydraulic systems of modern excavators, so-called "proportional" valves with a very small channel section are used. The system is quite complex, with electronic control components. If the viscosity of the hydraulic oil for such hydraulics is not properly selected, the machine will not work at full capacity. The accuracy of operations or their speed may decrease. The type of recommended oil is indicated, as a rule, in the cab on special information plates or directly on the hydraulic system tank, next to the filler neck. On modern imported equipment today, high-index oil of the HVLP class is most often recommended for use. This is a hydraulic oil with a more modern additive package than in HLP class oils. Oils of this class have more stable temperature and viscosity indicators, and in Siberian operating conditions, especially in winter, they work perfectly in any weather. Manufacturers indicate for these oils the temperature range of application from -30 to +60 degrees Celsius. In addition to stable temperature characteristics, oils of this class have a multifunctional package of additives that improve the antioxidant, anticorrosion, antiwear, depressant, demulsifying, and antifoam properties of the liquid.

VMHZ vs HVLP

For a long time, two brands were used in Russian technology hydraulic oil: VMGZ and MGE-46. In principle, these oils have good performance characteristics, but only for equipment that is operated in a relatively light mode: loaders, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, light cranes. If there is such a need, then it is not forbidden to use this oil in imported equipment that does not work in very harsh conditions. However, it is not recommended to use these oils in hydraulics, which are controlled by servo drives. If we are talking about hydraulics, which are subject to very serious requirements for reliability and performance, then experts advise paying attention to imported hydraulic oils. However, not so long ago, domestic products appeared on the Russian market, which, in terms of their characteristics, are practically not inferior to modern imported counterparts. For example, TNK launched a series of hydraulic oils a few years ago. In the new line of this manufacturer, along with MGE oils and analogues of VMGZ all-weather oil, lubricants of the HLP and HVLP classes are already presented. Experts are still cautious about the quality of Russian oils of this class. They do not praise much, but they do not make serious claims either. The basis for this oil is still domestic raw materials. Strangely enough, the service life of these oils is 2-3 times less than that of imported counterparts.

The material was taken from the site http://hydrac.ru/

Our magazine has already published the recommendations of a specialist in the operation of a hydraulic drive at low air temperatures. At the request of readers, on the eve of the winter season, we are posting a new version of this material.

Only two varieties

Low ambient temperature has a significant negative impact on the performance and reliability of the hydraulic drive of mobile machines. During cooling, the viscosity of the working fluid (WF) increases, as a result of which pressure losses in the hydraulic system increase, hydraulic resistance to flow and friction forces in moving joints increase; there are difficulties with the start-up of the hydraulic drive and the duration of heating of the RJ to the operating temperature increases. Already at –15...–25 ºС rubber seals lose their elastic properties, and at –40...–45 °С the contact pressure completely disappears, oil leaks appear.

Operating experience in the Far North has shown that 60% of hydraulic drive failures are associated with the state of rubber products: rubber-metal and rubber-fabric hoses often break, especially at the junctions with metal tips, external oil leaks appear.

Before the "northern" versions of machines and special "winter" hydraulic oils appeared, operators were forced to use engine oils at low temperatures, mix them with diesel fuel or dilute them with kerosene to lower their viscosity, and also use industrial oils not intended for the hydraulic system. oils (IS-12, etc.) with a pour point of -15 ° C, transformer oil that does not have lubricating and other properties, and other liquids not intended for hydraulic drives. There have been many proposals and design developments for the preheating of oils in the tanks of the hydraulic systems of machines by throttling the flow, using electric heating elements, engine exhaust gases and other methods.

In the 1970s, by order of the government of the country, research work was carried out to create two grades of hydraulic oils for the volumetric hydraulic drive of mobile machines, conventionally called "winter" and "summer". Oil tests were carried out on stands at ambient temperatures from –58 to +80 ºС. As a result of the research, the best samples of "winter" hydraulic oil VMGZ and "summer" MG-30 were selected. Operational tests of VMGZ oil were carried out on excavators, cranes and other machines in Norilsk at air temperatures up to -53 ºС, and both oils - VMGZ and MG-30 - were tested in Moscow at -31 ... +28 ºС. During the tests, their high operational properties were confirmed, the machines were started without preheating the oil in the hydraulic system.

As a result, VMGZ all-weather low-hardening hydraulic oil was recommended for industrial production at the Novo-Ufimsky NMZ, and since 1998 at the Volgograd Refinery.

Since 1979, Omsknefteorgsintez Production Association has started producing MG-30 oil according to TU.38.1050-79. This hydraulic oil is intended for hydraulic drives of mobile and other machines operated in the middle and southern climatic zones of Russia.

In connection with the change in the classification of hydraulic oils in accordance with GOST 17479.3-85, VMGZ oil received the designation MG-15V (produced according to TU 38.101479-00 since 2000), and MG-30 - the designation MGE-46V and are produced according to TU 38.001347-83.

Hydraulic drive performance

Most of all, the hydraulic pump performance is affected by the amount of hydraulic resistance (pressure loss) in the suction line of the pump. With a large resistance in it, the working volume of the pump is not sufficiently filled during the suction process. The amount of resistance depends on the viscosity and flow rate of the oil, on the internal diameter and length of the suction line.

An important complex criterion that determines the characteristics of the pump, the performance properties of the hydraulic oil used and the operability of the hydraulic drive is pumpability, which is defined as the lowest oil temperature, beyond which a flow break occurs and the hydraulic oil supply begins to be disturbed or stops.

As you know, three types of pumps are used in hydraulic drives: gear, vane and axial piston. Gear pumps have better pumpability, but they are the most sensitive to changes in oil viscosity, they have a smaller temperature range of high and stable efficiency, especially at positive temperatures. Axial piston pumps have worse pumpability compared to gear pumps at low temperatures during start-up, but they are less sensitive to changes in oil viscosity, and the range of stable and high efficiency values. they are the widest. They work stably when the viscosity of the RZh changes from 8 to 1200 cSt, which corresponds to the temperature of the hydraulic oil from +60 to -40 °C. According to manufacturers' data, axial piston pumps running on MG-15V hydraulic oil have a volumetric efficiency. is 0.95, and the total is 0.91.

The results of experimental studies of hydraulic equipment at low temperatures in the climatic testing laboratory of the Central Scientific Research Institute of VNIIstroydormash showed:

pressure losses in the hydraulic system increase three to four times at a temperature of -30 °C and 10...15 times at a temperature of -50 to -58 °C compared to pressure losses at +40...+50 °C;
volumetric and hydromechanical efficiency pumps are especially reduced during the period when hydraulic equipment is put into operation;
hydromechanical power losses increase by 15...37% relative to the nominal values at an MG-15V oil temperature below -40 °C;
in the zone of the lowest temperatures (–55...–40 °C), the volumetric efficiency decreases sharply. Due to the fact that the working volume of the pump is not filled with oil even when the oil level in the tank is 0.5 m above the pump axis;
guideline viscosity values of hydraulic oils that provide the minimum required pumpability should not exceed 4500…5000 cSt for gear pumps (at a speed of 1500 min–1), 3500…4500 cSt for vane pumps (at a speed of 1450 min–1), 1800… 2000 cSt for axial piston pumps (at 1000 rpm).
indicative values for the viscosity of hydraulic oils, providing satisfactory values of volumetric efficiency. (not less than 80%) and hydrodynamic lubrication of mating friction surfaces must be at least 18…16 cSt for gear pumps, 14…12 cSt for vane pumps, 10…8 cSt for axial piston pumps.

Experimental studies have established the limits of pump performance depending on the oil temperature (see table).

If the kinematic viscosity of the hydraulic oil exceeds certain values, then the working volume of the pump is only partially filled with oil, breaks occur in the flow and, as a result, cavitation, vibration, intense wear and damage to the associated parts. If the kinematic viscosity of hydraulic oils is less than a certain minimum allowable value, volumetric and hydromechanical efficiency. pumps will also be significantly reduced and damage to the surfaces of mating parts may occur due to insufficient hydrodynamic lubrication. In the suction section during the start-up period, in the oil temperature range of –43...–35 °C, the operation of some pumps is accompanied by noise characteristic of cavitation phenomena and flow pulsation, despite the acceptable maximum value of volumetric efficiency. (≥90%). Due to the intensive heating of the oil in a short time, the operation of the pumps quickly stabilizes, therefore the table shows the temperature limits for the use of oils for short-term (during the start-up period) and long-term (not limited by time) operation. Long-term operation is allowed only when the viscosity of the RJ is reached, at which the entire working volume of the pump is filled.

The power consumed by the pumps during the start-up period should be selected with a margin within 1.15 ... 1.4 of the nominal value, depending on the design of the pump. To increase the pumpability limit of RJ at low temperatures, machine operators are advised to reduce the speed of the internal combustion engine to drive the pumps, especially during the start-up period.

It has been experimentally determined that with a decrease in the rotational speed of a vane pump by 40%, the range of its stable operation in terms of the viscosity of the RJ increases from 600 ... 700 cSt to 2000 ... 2100 cSt, i.e. approximately three times.

With a decrease in the speed of the axial piston pump by 40%, the range of stable operation in terms of the viscosity of the RJ increased 2.5 times (from 400 to 1000 cSt), and the pumpability limit doubled.
Axial-piston pumps of a smaller working volume can operate at a higher speed, however, a decrease in flow, characteristic of all pumps, occurs at approximately the same value of the kinematic viscosity RJ: 2500 ... 2600 cSt. With a viscosity of RJ over 2600 cSt, all pumps operate with empty working chambers, which is associated with cavitation.

For reliable operation of a volumetric hydraulic drive in cold climates, it is recommended to use axial-piston variable pumps with an inclined disk and an integrated make-up pump of the М4РV21…M5PV115 type (12 standard sizes) with a working volume of 21…115 cm 3, designed for a nominal pressure of 25…38 MPa. Thanks to the gear-type booster pump, they ensure that hydraulic oil is pumped without static pressure in the suction line.

The use of two main grades of hydraulic oils MG-15V and MGE-46V ensures reliable operation of mobile machines and stationary oilfield and mining equipment, and reduces the contamination of hydraulic systems when replacing seasonal hydraulic oils.

Hydraulic oil MG-15V for axial piston pumps can be used as an all-weather oil, in a wide temperature range without preheating, and other brands of oils - only after official confirmation of their suitability by the manufacturer or supplier, which guarantees the operability and technical life of hydraulic equipment. Ask your hydraulic oil supplier for a quality certificate.

It is necessary to fill hydraulic oils into the hydraulic system using filter devices with a fineness of 10 microns. In hydraulic systems of mobile machines operated for a long time in cold climates, it is not recommended to install filters in the suction hydraulic line: they create additional resistance to flow even at an MG-15V oil temperature below -25 ... -30 ° С in filters with a filtration fineness of 25 ... 40 µm, the overflow valves open, and the oil flows to the drain into the hydraulic system tank without filtration.

If it is necessary to use suction filters with an overflow valve, the capacity of the filters should be increased to a value not less than three times the rated flow of the pump. This will also increase the dirt capacity of the filter elements and the frequency of their replacement.

For guaranteed cleaning of working fluids in the hydraulic systems of machines that are constantly operated at low temperatures, it is recommended to use drain filters for a destructive pressure of 1 MPa from a wire mesh for 5; 25; 60; 125 microns or inorganic fiber by 3; 6; 12; 25 microns and pressure filters for destructive pressure from 8 to 21 MPa from wire mesh for 10; 25; thirty; 60 microns or inorganic fiber by 3; 6; 12; 25 µm.

During the operation of machines with a hydraulic drive, one should not forget that when the oil in the tank is heated and the ambient temperature is low, moisture condenses from the air. Water can get into the oil, then into the hydraulic system and accumulate at the bottom of the tank. The presence of water in hydraulic oil not only causes corrosion, but increases the pour point dramatically. In addition, water is absorbed by paper filter elements. When the oil in the hydraulic system is cooled to a negative temperature, the water freezes, passes into a solid phase and destroys paper filter elements, therefore, the use of paper filter elements when operating machines at low temperatures is unacceptable. When performing maintenance, the accumulated water must be drained from the tank.

Creating hydraulic oil is a costly, complex process, so you need to be wary of advertising publications about new grades of "universal" and "winter" hydraulic oils.

Some manufacturers of heavy equipment solve the problem of protecting the hydraulic system from condensate in a different way. For example, Caterpillar produces a special Cat HYDO 10W hydraulic oil (and now a new generation - Cat HYDO Advanced 10) for use in Caterpillar equipment. Thanks to its formula, Caterpillar HYDO Advanced hydraulic oil is able to bind and keep water in a finely dispersed state so that it does not damage the moving parts of hydraulic systems. Industrial hydraulic fluids, often referred to as anti-wear, do not contain emulsifiers and are specially formulated to separate water. Separated water, passing through the system, can lead to damage to pumps, sticking of valves, increased wear of other components and parts of the hydraulic system. If the water freezes, the damage can be much more severe.

In Caterpillar HYDO Advanced, small amounts of water are dispersed in the oil volume while providing adequate lubrication.

One of the frequent problems that is associated with the operation of a car in the winter is when the engine oil froze after overnight parking with a significant drop in outside temperature. In such a situation, the engine cannot be cranked by the starter to start, or it cranks so slowly that the engine cannot be started.

How to restore the fluidity of the lubricant or warm up the crankcase before starting

Let's start with the fact that starting the engine if the oil is frozen is prohibited by any means possible. This can lead to damage to the power unit, turning the liners, etc. It is quite obvious that when attempting such a start, the frozen oil will not be pumped through and will not be able to create the necessary protective film on the parts.

The easiest way in this situation is to deliver the car to a warm garage or parking not on its own. If you are sure that the oil in the engine is of high quality, then after warming up the engine can be started, after which you can get to a car service or change the lubricant yourself for a more suitable option, adjusted for current climatic conditions.
In the list of so-called "old-fashioned" methods, it is worth noting the addition of gasoline or diesel fuel to oil before overnight parking in winter. This method may also be suitable if it is not possible to immediately change the oil to an analogue with a lower viscosity. Before parking, an average of 150 grams of gasoline or purified diesel fuel is poured into the engine “hot” through the oil filler neck. Thus, the lubricant becomes less viscous. After starting, gasoline from the oil system and the crankcase of the internal combustion engine evaporates. This procedure can be repeated in front of street parking when the maximum cooling is predicted.

Please note that for all its seeming simplicity, this method has one significant drawback - after contact with gasoline, the oil loses its useful properties. This means that having solved the problem with viscosity, there will inevitably be a problem with the protection of the engine after it has warmed up. The addition of fuel to the oil to thin it in cold weather leads to a significant increase in other loaded elements while driving. It turns out that if for the old VAZ classics or unpretentious special equipment on cheap mineral oils this method is still worth considering, then in the case of a more or less technologically advanced motor, it is better to forget about such a decision.

We add that even if the engine is old, but a good semi-synthetic oil was poured into it with a package of active additives and other additives, the reaction of these additives to gasoline or diesel fuel in oil can be completely unpredictable (precipitation, flakes in oil, etc.) . All this can lead to blockage of the channels of the engine lubrication system and oil starvation of the motor.

Another way to solve the problem we are considering is to heat the engine pan with your own hands. In this case, the best solution would be to use an industrial hair dryer. The oil pan warms up for a certain time, after which you should check the oil as it is on the dipstick. After the return of fluidity, the engine can be tried to start. Note that some motorists use home hair dryers for heating, as well as heaters of various types with closed heating elements.

As practice shows, you can warm up the engine in winter with your own hands in different ways. In some cases, situations are quite common when a gas burner, blowtorch, etc. is used to warm the oil in the engine. Note that in no case should the pallet be heated too intensely, since, taking into account a sharp temperature drop, serious consequences, cracks and other defects can occur. Remember, during such procedures, be sure to follow safety precautions!

What is the result

In order to avoid possible problems during a severe cold snap, some drivers rent spaces in a heated parking lot in advance, if possible. If the car spends the night on the street or in an unheated garage, then it is recommended to simultaneously change the oil for the “winter” option, additionally insulate the hood, engine compartment and engine, install a pre-heater, use the engine auto start and other available solutions. This will slow down the cooling rate of the power unit and prevent the temperature from dropping to a critical level when the oil in the engine starts to freeze.

To check the quality of the filled oil or compliance with the declared parameters immediately before replacing, it is highly advisable to pre-check the viscosity. To do this, some car owners pour a little oil into a container, and then put it in the refrigerator or simply leave the oil canister in the cold. After 10-12 hours, the viscosity of the lubricant is evaluated. In the event that the oil has become very thick or even hardened, its use is not recommended or it involves the use of additional measures to heat the internal combustion engine.

Finally, we note that you should also not try (for example, mineral oil with more liquid synthetics or semi-synthetics with pure synthetics). This can cause the additive packages in different oils to react, causing the lubricant to "curl", blockage of oil channels occurs, oil starvation occurs and engine wear increases significantly. Even if the visually mixed oil is normal, such a material still inevitably loses its protective, viscous, detergent, temperature and other useful properties.

For this reason, it is not recommended to mix oils of the same type (for example, semi-synthetic with the same or different markings) from different manufacturers, since each individual brand uses its own unique proprietary additive packages. We add that experts and experienced motorists advise avoiding this practice of mixing motor oils, even within the framework of the products of the same company.