The hidden threats to light-duty gasoline engine life, performance | FE Unscripted

The temperature inside a combustion chamber of a gasoline engine is anywhere from 265° and 475°. If you think that's hot, that's actually a lower temperature thanks to the cooling system and lubrication system. That's right, even engine oil plays a role in dissipating heat within the engine. Yet, there are forces working against those systems to increase engine temperatures and reduce life and engine performance.
Engine deposits are carbonaceous compounds that form at high temperatures within the engine-particularly around the piston areas where combustion events cause extreme heat. These deposits can manifest as hard carbon build-ups or as thinner varnish-like coatings. As these compounds adhere to metal surfaces within the engine, they create a layer of insulation that hampers heat dissipation.
The primary danger of these naturally occurring deposits lies in their insulating properties. Ideally, metal surfaces within an engine should remain exposed to efficiently transfer and dissipate heat. When deposits form, they act as a barrier, trapping heat within the engine. This not only leads to increased operating temperatures but also escalates wear among moving parts.
"Deposits also cause friction," said Dr. Michael Warholic, global technology director, Valvoline Global Operations.
Watch the video for a deeper dive into defeating engine oil deposits.