A Comparison of Engine Oil Viscosity, Emulsion Formation, and Chemical Changes for M85 and Gasoline-Fueled Vehicles in Short-Trip Service

Accumulation of fuel, water, acids, insolubles, and metals in engine oil is documented and compared for variable-fueled (fuel containing up to 85 percent methanol) and gasoline-fueled vehicles in short-trip service. The oil temperature at which various contaminants are removed is noted. As a consequence of emulsion formation, the viscosity of the oil in the M85-fueled vehicles increased. Due to the presence of gasoline, the viscosity of the oil in the gasoline-fueled vehicles decreased. Equations were developed to explain both the viscosity reduction due to gasoline and the viscosity increase due to emulsion-forming contaminants (water and methanol).