How is the air filter lubricated What causes the lubrication of the housing for the air cleaner? What is the problem with the lubrication?
Oil may be visible in your vehicle’s filter and box when it is being replaced. You may be concerned about this problem and may want to know why.
The bad news? Oil in the vehicle’s air intake and/or cleaner box could indicate a problem. The solution may be simple and often inexpensive, but more expensive repairs may be necessary.
Oil in your vehicle’s air intake or air cleaner box can lead to the following:
Plugged PCV system
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation System (PCV), which is responsible for lubricating the filter, is often involved in the maintenance of the filter. The PCV system is responsible to evacuating vapors (gases that escape from the piston rings in the crankcase) to prevent excess pressure and moisture buildup. This job is performed by most PCV systems. This valve is connected with the air intake to allow fresh air into the crankcase. The vapors are then drawn into the intake manifold, combustion chamber, and burned.
Oil vapors can build up in the PCV system and push towards the air intake. This causes the air filter to become clogged and prevents it from being lubricated. The PCV valve is often the cause of malfunction.
Wear of Cylinder Walls and Rings
The PCV system is intended to remove vapors that escape from the piston rings. Wearing piston rings and damaged cylinder walls can cause leaks and blowouts to increase. This can lead to the PCV system becoming overload. The above scenario results.
Slurrying of engine oil
Regular vehicle maintenance may cause engine oil to become sludge. This can cause blockages in the oil passageways. This can lead to excess blowing and lubrication within the air intake or housing.
Turbocharger / Supercharger Failures
A turbocharged engine’s air intake should only contain a small amount of oil. However, excessive oil build-up indicates a problem such as defective turbocharger/supercharger gaskets or a clogged turbocharger return line.
Either too much or wrong viscosity
Oil can enter the filter box if there is too much or too little oil. The engine cannot circulate freely with thick oil and can block the passages. Oil pressure rises when there is excess oil. The PCV system won’t function properly in this situation and oil will leak into the intake of the air filter.
These are the most common causes for oily air intakes. However, other malfunctions can also cause the problem. It is necessary to diagnose the problem thoroughly as there are so many possibilities.
