In Russia, there are many motorists who are used to relying solely on themselves when servicing a car. This not only guarantees financial benefits (no need to spend money on the services of third-party specialists), but also ensures the proper quality of work.

One of the most popular ways to “divorce” motorists by valiant servicemen is still a poor-quality replacement of engine oil: someone does not change it at all, others forget to change the filter, and others take money for an additional volume of liquid that settles in the bins of a cunning master. Meanwhile, even a housewife can perform such a simple operation. To do this, you need to have a pair of keys and really love your car. However, if you decide to perform this procedure yourself, it would be useful to find out how much oil you need to purchase for your motor. Today we talk about four ways to determine how many liters you need to fill in the engine.

Can't you spoil the porridge with butter?

First of all, remember that the saying "you can't spoil porridge with butter" in the case of an engine internal combustion absolutely doesn't work. Each individual motor is designed to work with a certain amount of lubricant. Of course, manufacturers provide for a certain delta - the maximum and minimum levels. These are the parameters that should be followed. If the engine oil level is too low, the engine will wear out much faster and cool poorly, and an excessive volume will quickly disable the crankshaft oil seals and cause severe intake tract contamination. The very case when overfilling is just as dangerous as underfilling. Therefore, the volume to be filled must be approached responsibly.

To find out how much oil you need to purchase and fill in your engine, you can use any search engine on the Internet. However, the information obtained in this way may be incorrect and based only on speculation. In order not to be mistaken in such a responsible matter, we recommend using simple recommendations.

Methods for determining the volume of oil

1. The easiest and most correct way is to find the owner's manual that came with your car from the factory. As a rule, each modern machine there are several Talmuds at once that tell about all the features of this model. Look in the content and find the item "Vehicle Specifications". In this section you will find the subheading "Lubrication System". There are the cherished numbers. For example, it will say that the full amount 4.2 liters of oil to be filled in, provided the filter is replaced and 3.9 if it is not changed. You will also find information about what kind of oil you need to fill in - its type and viscosity.

Typically, manufacturers recommend filling in oils produced under their own or brand-friendly brand. In fact, you can use absolutely any oil of similar parameters from any manufacturer - nothing bad will happen to the motor. It is only important that the lubricant specification meets the parameters indicated by the motor manufacturer (there are corresponding tolerances directly on the canister label). Depending on the manufacturer, the sections of the instructions may vary, but the information you need is definitely there, you just need not be too lazy to find it.

2. If for some reason the instructions have not been saved, you can use the help of the official website of your car manufacturer. Often you can download the entire owner's manual or find basic information about the characteristics of your motor. Its specification is easy to determine, just look at the registration certificate.

3. Well, if you did not find the information you need even there, use the help of specialized sites for the selection of oil. By entering the make and model, year of manufacture into the appropriate fields and selecting the engine, you will receive many options for oils from different manufacturers. At the same time, you will be offered a package in which there is enough oil with a margin.

The table shows the properties of transformer oil (GOST 982-68) depending on temperature. in the table are given in the temperature range from -20 to 120°C.

The thermophysical properties of transformer oil, especially viscosity and Prandtl number, depend on temperature. However, the density of the oil is weakly dependent on temperature and its value is less - the oil will create a film on its surface.

Transformer oil density when it is heated, it decreases, for example, at 0 ° C it is equal to 892 kg / m 3, and at 120 ° C - 820 kg / m 3. The change in the density of this oil when heated is used in the free cooling system of electrical transformers.

Viscosity of transformer oil depends strongly on its temperature. At low temperatures the viscosity of this oil
ten times more than strongly heated. For example, at 0°C, the kinematic viscosity of transformer oil is 70.5 10 -6 m 2 /s, and when it is heated to 120°C, the oil viscosity will be only 1.92 10 -6 m 2 /s.

From the table, you can determine the following thermal properties of oil:

• , kg / m 3;
• specific (mass) heat capacity, kJ/(kg deg);
• thermal conductivity, W/(m deg);
• kinematic viscosity, m 2 /s;
• dynamic viscosity, Pa s;
• thermal diffusivity, m 2 /hour;
• Prandtl number;
• coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion, 1/deg.

The dimension of the properties of transformer oil in the table (except for thermal diffusivity) is given in units

The oil volume in the engine must be within the indicated limits. Both its deficiency and its excess are harmful. To make it clear why this is so and how much lubricant needs to be filled in, we will analyze the operation of the lubrication system.

Engine lubrication system

The lubrication system delivers oil to the rubbing surfaces of engine parts to reduce friction between them and their wear, as well as to remove heat and friction products. Internal combustion automotive power units have a combined lubrication system. crankshaft and camshaft are lubricated under pressure, and cylinder parts piston group, camshaft lobes, fuel pump drive, and timing chain are splash lubricated.

System composition:

• The engine oil pan is a container for engine oil.
• An oil pick-up pump is used to draw grease from the sump and pressurize the system.
• The oil filter cleans the lubricant from friction products and soot.
• Oil channels are needed to supply pressure to lubrication points.

System operation:

Lubricant power unit occurs in a vicious circle with a continuous cycle.

1. The oil pump, using an oil intake, takes engine oil from the sump and pumps it into the system through a filter under pressure.
2. Through the channels, the oil reaches the desired points, lubricates them and flows into the sump.
3. The cycle closes and repeats again.

From the way the lubrication system works, it can be seen that when the engine is running, the oil pump, filter, and supply channels to the lubrication points are constantly filled. And from the continuity of the lubrication cycle during engine operation, it follows that there must be some more lubricant in the sump. This means that the minimum volume of oil in the engine must be slightly more than the sum of the volumes of the pump, filter, and supply channels. Otherwise, as soon as the lubricating fluid is pumped out of the sump, the engine will no longer be lubricated, and the operation of the engine without lubrication threatens it with serious damage.

Consequences of an overestimation

If the presence of a mark on the oil dipstick with the inscription min is intuitively clear to most drivers, then the maximum amount of oil in the engine is usually not understood by everyone, since we are used to the fact that “you can’t spoil porridge with oil”. The thing is that ICE lubrication is not porridge.

The principle of a device for pumping oil from an internal combustion engine

Above the surface of the oil, in a running motor, rotates crankshaft, which should not touch it. Since, otherwise, the rotating crankshaft will foam it like a mixer. The consequences of this are harmful because air bubbles differ from liquid in that they can be compressed, thereby reducing the pressure developed by the pump below the value necessary for normal operation of the engine. If the timing valves of your engine are equipped with hydraulic lifters, you will immediately hear their knock, but this is not the worst consequence of foaming. Lack of pressure will lead to increased wear of the liners and crankshaft journals, which threatens to overhaul the engine in the near future. Another nuisance is the extrusion of oil foam by the pressure of crankcase gases out through all the seals and any defects in the gaskets, which after a while can lead to a drop in the level in the sump below the minimum allowable.

The least harm that foamed oil can cause injection engine- sensor failure mass flow air. It happens due to the fact that, together with crankcase gases, foam will enter the intake air duct, which, burning on the wire resistances of the MRV sensor, will disable it. Find out how much the MAF costs for your car and you will not leave more oil in the engine than the maximum allowable.

Engine oil is the main lubricating element of any gasoline or diesel engine internal combustion. Volume and characteristics lubricating fluid depends on mechanical features engine, its power and displacement. The filling volume of oil is set by the car manufacturer, taking into account all the technical characteristics, therefore, when replacing the lubricant, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and take into account some features.

1 How to correctly determine the amount of oil in the engine?

There are no universal volumes, each engine requires the amount of oil that is prescribed in its technical specifications. Differences in filling volume can be both for different engines of the same volume, and for units of the same manufacturer, but with different boost levels. Diesel engines, especially some turbocharged options, require 1-1.5 liters more oil than their gasoline counterparts.

The most correct way to find out how many liters of oil is included in a particular engine model is to read the information in the instruction manual. This characteristic is mandatory prescribed in the documentation by the manufacturer, as well as the recommended brand and type of fluid used. That is, before the replacement procedure, it is necessary to know exactly not only the required amount of oil, but also its type (synthetics or semi-synthetics), and, if possible, the brand of the lubricant manufacturer.

Looking at the technical documentation for the car, it should be understood that the volume figures indicated there are for filling into an engine in which it has not previously been used. If the mileage on the car exceeds 20-30 thousand, then the required amount of oil will be at least 400-500 g less than stated in the instruction manual.

This is due to the fact that part of the old lubricant settles on the walls of various metal parts during operation, some remains in the sump, some in hard-to-reach places inside the power plant. It will be possible to completely remove traces of old grease in the engine only after it has been completely cleaned with an analysis of the main parts and structures. If the volume of 4 liters is prescribed in the manual, then after draining, no more than 3.6-3.8 liters should be poured, given the fact that part of the oil (100-200 g) takes over the oil filter.

2 Oil change on a car, step by step instructions

For model range VAZ cars with gasoline eight or sixteen-valve engines of 1.5 or 1.6 liters (type 2111, 21114, 21124, etc.), which are equipped with most popular models, the recommended amount of oil is 3.5 liters. But given the residue that is inside the motor after draining and installing a new oil filter, first you need to pour 300-400 grams into the filter, and after a while 3 full liters into the engine itself. Next, the level is adjusted by means of a probe, so that it is at a level between Min and Max. Directly when replacing, a slight increase in volume (by 100-150 grams of lubricant) is allowed so that the level is slightly closer to the maximum.

Oil change for different types of engine is carried out according to the same algorithm:

1. drive the car onto a viewing hole, lift or overpass;
2. turn off the engine, allow the oil to drain into the crankcase and cool;
3. prepare a suitable container for draining (at least 5 liters in volume);
4. open the hood and remove the cap from the neck on the engine;
5. unscrew drain plug pallet on the bottom;
6. allow the liquid to flow out to the maximum extent (wait 15-20 minutes).
7. install new filter(Pour a little oil into it, 200-300 g);
8. tighten the drain plug and fill in the recommended volume (in our case 3 liters).

After 2-3 minutes, check the level of the filled oil on the dipstick, if necessary, top up to the appropriate mark. Then start the engine and let it run for 10-15 minutes with the new oil. Stop the engine and measure the oil level again, if everything is normal, the process is complete. In case of deviation in any direction, drain or add fluid until the recommended mark on the dipstick is reached.

3 Under-lubrication in the engine - possible consequences

Any modern motor operates under conditions of strong mechanical loads at high temperatures. The working process proceeds under the influence of high friction and heating, therefore, in order to lubricate the contacting parts, create protective surfaces and partially cool the process, it is necessary to fill the engine with engine oil, which is sprayed over the parts under very high pressure.

An insufficient amount of lubricant leads to an increase in “dry” friction areas, therefore, the heating of individual parts and elements of the system increases, the level of wear of the main mechanisms is several times higher, which subsequently leads to jamming or failure of the motor.

A critical drop in the oil level is displayed by a special indicator on the instrument panel. It is even on older cars, along with fluid level sensors in brake system and charge battery. But a slight decrease in the level, if the engine "ate" the extra 200-300 g, can go unnoticed by the indicator counters, while the engine loads increase, which quickly reduces its resource.

In the event of a malfunction or low sensitivity of the sensor, a sure sign that the level has been lowered to near-critical levels is noise in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hydraulic compensator system and a constant increase in the temperature of the power unit, due to which the cooling system (fan) works more often than usual, as well as the appearance of other extraneous or unusual noises in the motor area.

4 Increased level - acceptable, but undesirable

Oil overflow is not as critical as underfilling, but it also entails additional loads on various systems inside the motor, so an increased amount of fluid in the system should not be allowed. A high oil level increases the pressure in the engine, increases the load on the oil pump and filter, which contributes to increased fuel consumption. Excess oil also negatively affects gaskets, oil seals and seals, because of which, over time, they can begin to leak, violating the tightness of the system, the oil will flow out of the engine, and it can mix with antifreeze, which is strictly not recommended.

In turbocharged engines with certain design features manufacturer allows increased consumption during operation, therefore, topping up is carried out more often than in conventional units, and when replacing, the level should be close to the maximum mark. Checking the amount of oil on these types of engines is carried out at least every 2-3 days.

On other types of motors, it is recommended to check the level before the trip every 5-7 days of active operation of the car. The check is carried out on cold engine, in addition to the oil level, pay attention to the change in its color and structure, in case of its rapid contamination, it is recommended to diagnose nozzles and valves before the next replacement, and if necessary, carry out a comprehensive flushing of the unit or even change the type of oil used.

Engine oil consumption is determined depending on the amount that burns out in the engine. can talk either about its poor quality (the lubricant then burns out excessively), or about a malfunction of the engine itself (leakage occurs, most often through valve seals and oil scraper rings). Everything will depend on the specific numbers and additional symptoms that may occur when the lubricant burns out.

How is engine oil consumption calculated?

To determine the norm, it is not the mileage that is taken into account, but the consumption of the fuel resource. This indicator is more accurate than the distance traveled, because when you are in traffic jams, the oil is depleted even more, and the odometer does not change its value.

It is customary to calculate the oil consumption in the engine according to its volume of 100 liters of fuel spent on combustion.

To find out the rate of oil consumption in the engine of your car, you need to use the calculation formula and calculator, or use this online form. It involves calculating the allowable amount of oil for waste according to the type of engine, the volume of operating oil and the amount of fuel consumed, taking into account the condition of the piston group.

Calculation formulas for oil consumption

General actual oil consumption for waste per cycle of its operation(from replacement to replacement) can be calculated by the formula:

Qy = ∑q + (Qz-Qsl),

Where ∑q is the oil topped up during the cycle (between maintenance); Qz - filled during refueling; Qsl - merged during replacement.

But oil consumption in liters per 100 liters of fuel define it like this:

Mz \u003d V / (P * k),

Where V is the capacity of the engine lubrication system; P - fuel consumed k - coefficient taking into account the wear of the piston group (k - for diesel car 1.25; gasoline 1.15; turbo 1.3).

Oil consumption rates are increased up to 20% for cars after overhaul and in operation for more than 5 years.

Consumption rate of engine oil for waste

For passenger car transport, the normal indicator of waste is the consumption of 0.005 - 0.025% per 100 liters of fuel, which is approximately 5 to 25 grams of oil per 1 thousand km. In a worn engine, up to 0.1% and 100 gr. per 1000 km respectively. Well, if the car works at the limit or has a turbocharged or diesel unit, then this norm will be even higher.

For trucks long-length oil consumption rate is 0.3 - 0.4% of fuel consumption. The calculation formula uses the amount of burned fuel and topped up oil for this period. But such a calculation of oil consumption, assumed by the Scania automaker, is relevant only for heavy cars with big engine. Lubricant consumption calculations in cars, both with diesel and gasoline engines, has a slightly different look.

Consumption rate of engine oil per 100 liters. fuel for passenger cars

For carbureted cars VAZ consumption is considered to be from 0.3 to 0.4 liters. per 100 liters of fuel.

A gasoline engine operating at the limit of its capabilities can consume from 0.4 to 0.6%, at 100 hp. fuel used, which is approximately 400 - 600 grams of engine oil per 1000 kilometers. With diesel, the situation is exactly the same - engine lubricant consumption increases by 0.5%. But if these are forced turbodiesels with two turbines, then the consumption can reach up to 3% of the volume of oil poured into the engine.

Keep in mind that oil consumption rates significantly increase for vehicles after overhaul and in operation over five years.

The average indicator of engine oil consumed by the engine after a run of 150 thousand km is 0.35 - 0.55 liters.

Method for determining oil consumption

Oil level on the dipstick

The determination of the actual value of the specific consumption of engine oil for waste is carried out with a mileage of 200-300 km. The car during the control run must be technically sound. The oil level in the crankcase should be between the "MAX" and "MIN" marks on the engine dipstick. Before the control run, it is necessary to warm up the engine, the oil temperature should be 80-85°C. Drain the oil on level ground. It should drain from the pan within 15 minutes. For the accuracy of the result, it is desirable to determine not the volume, but the weight, since the amount of lubricant remaining in the filter can only be found by weighing it.

How to use the calculator

One of the main roles in this calculation is played by the volume of fuel burned and the volume of operating oil, as well as the type of engine. It is with respect to this volume and the specifics of work that the specific oil consumption is calculated.

To calculate the specific oil consumption in the engine, the following data are required:

1. In the "fuel" field - enter average consumption fuel in liters, per 1'000 km. mileage (by default and based on the calculation formulas, this is 100 liters);
2. In the field "oil" - the volume of oil that is regulated by the manufacturer as necessary when filling;
3. Select engine type and check if the machine has been in operation for more than 5 years
4. Click "calculate".

Please note that the results of the allowable engine oil consumption calculator are a general case and for some engines (assumed by the specifics of the design) may be inaccurate and need to be adjusted.

Such a calculation calculator can be an indispensable assistant for calculating the consumption rate. lubricants designed for operational accounting of the specific consumption of engine oil when justifying the need for them. After all, if not all, then many motorists are quite alarming about the oil consumption in the engine. This service will show whether you fit into the nominal values. If not, then you will have an objective reason to look for causes and possible problems.

What's the bottom line

That is, if the engine is in order, then it practically does not take oil, and you will not need to top up until the next replacement. Its level will be within the allowable limits on the dipstick (within the min. / max. marks). But there are cases when the manufacturer indicates the consumption rates for a particular power unit (some), then its topping up is considered natural and is not a malfunction, but on average it does not exceed 1-2 glasses from replacement to replacement.

It is important to understand that the harder the engine runs, the more oil burns in it. So, for example, the higher the number of revolutions, the more oil will remain in the cylinders of a car engine. Although you should not forget not only about the mode of operation of the engine, but also its design. And don't forget the tolerances. engine oils and pour fuels and lubricants of dubious quality.