What causes the air filter to be lubricated What is the reason for lubrication of the housing (air cleaner box)? What is the problem with the lubrication?
You may find oil in the air filter or air cleaner box of your vehicle when you replace it. You may be concerned about this problem and may want to know why.
Unfortunately, oil in your air intake or air cleaner box can indicate that there is something wrong with your vehicle. The solution may be simple and often inexpensive, but more expensive repairs may be necessary.
The most common reasons oily in the vehicle’s intake and/or cleaner box are:
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 in removing vapors (gases escaping the piston rings) from the crankcase to prevent moisture and excessive pressure build-up. This job is performed by most PCV systems. This valve connects to the air intake, allowing fresh air to enter crankcase. The vapors are then drawn into the intake manifold, combustion chamber, and burned.
Oil vapors build up and can eventually push the intake towards the PCV. This causes the air filter to become clogged and prevents it from being lubricated. Most often, the problem is caused by the PCV valve.
Wear of Cylinder Walls and Rings
The PCV system is intended to remove vapors that escape from the piston rings. But, if the piston rings are worn or the cylinder walls are damaged, leaks can increase and cause blowouts. This can cause the PCV system overload. This causes the above-mentioned scenario to occur.
Slurrying of engine oil
Regular vehicle maintenance may cause engine oil to become sludge. This can block the oil passageways. This can cause excessive blowing, and lubrication in your air intake or housing.
Turbocharger / Supercharger Failures
The intake air of turbocharged and supercharged engines should only contain a small amount of oil. This is considered normal. However, excessive oil build-up indicates a problem such as defective turbocharger/supercharger gaskets or a clogged turbocharger return line.
Insufficient or incorrectly formulated engine oil
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 to oil buildup in the intake. But, there may be other problems. It is necessary to diagnose the problem thoroughly as there are so many possibilities.
