Oil Cleaning Effects During Storage.

[Trav]

Maybe someone here knows the answer to this, forgive me if it seems a stupid question but I can’t find a concrete answer.

Do the detergents found in the new engine oils that claim to have good cleaning effects work like a solvent or do the need to flow over the parts to clean almost like a scrubbing effect?
I only wonder because I store my cars over the winter and was wondering if there is any cleaning effect going on with the oil that remains on the parts during periods of non use.

TIA

 

[91344George]

Now this is a GREAT question, very interesting one.

Any oil engineers around to answer this one?


Since oil is a film that generally sticks to parts long after the engine is turned off if the oil is fresh almost clean will it continue to dissolve buildup and varnish?

 

[VK56VD]

I think the oil needs to reach engine operating temperature before the solvents become active cleaning agents.

 

[Michael_P]

I think you would be concerned with keeping the dirt and contaminants in suspension.

 

[Trav]

No, i do fresh OC before storage.

 

[GMorg]

Detergents aren't solvents. Agitation and heat provide much better micelle formation than cool, calm oil. However, some very minor cleaning can take place during storage.

Imagine trying to wash your cloths without any agitation or heat. They would have to set in the suds for a very long time to come close to a few minutes with agitation in hot water.