What happens if water gets into motor oil?

Answer 1

If by a motor you mean a gasoline engine like in a vehicle, there are 2 ways.

One way common to virtually all engines, including ones without any trouble, is condensation, especially in humid areas. When the engine is cool moisture from the air inside it will condense, adding small quantities of water in the gas tank, and also in the crankcase. Normally when the car is run the engine fully warms up and the water in it's crankcase will evaporate off. If the car is only run on short trips and never fully warms up, water will build up in the oil. This is often visible by a yellowish foam like buildup when looking in where you add oil to the engine. This is one reason that, if you only take short trips, you should occasionally fully warm it up, maybe by a 15 or 20 minute ride at highway speeds. It is this condensation, that also forms in the exhaust system, that causes cars to have water droplets coming out of their tailpipe when the car is still started and driven. The condensed water drops get blown out from the exhaust, until it warms up enough to evaporate any still left in it.

Another way for water contamination in the oil is a blown head gasket, which can be very expensive and labor intensive to replace, but it should be fixed or your engine can be ruined. The head gasket is the gasket between the lower part of your engine and the cylinder head or heads, in the case of a v-6 or v-8.

Answer 2

Water in motor oil can cause several problems such as corrosion, reduced lubrication effectiveness, and increased wear on engine components. It can also lead to the formation of sludge and varnish, damaging the engine over time. It is important to address this issue promptly to prevent long-term damage to the engine.

Answer 3

depends how much water is in the oil if its alittle bit I wouldn't worry about it too much but I would do an oil change to be safe.