Understanding Flash Point
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: South Brunswick, NJ
Understanding Flash Point
I am trying to learn more about oil and am alittle confused on Flash point relative to engine temp. I understand that pour point is the temp that the oil can still flow at, but I have been looking at different oils flash point #'s usually around 400 degrees for dino and 450 for synthetic. My question is, doesn't the engine and combustion area get well above these temps during operation. I know that the temp gauge says around 200 degrees but isn't that just the temp of the coolant and not and indication of the temps the engine can reach. Like I said, I am trying to learn more about oil protection and i might be missing something here but i would think that the flash point would have to be much higher to stay stabil at its weight and lubricate the engine. Is 400 degrees considered at good flash point. Please explain and thanks for the help.
Posting Guru
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Understanding Flash Point
Flash point is defined as the lowest temperature at which vapors arising from hot oil will ignite momentarily, when subjected to a flame. To further answer your question, yes some surfaces of the engine will be higher than the flashpoint but the oil is in motion just like your coolant. It will pick up some of the heat energy but it is released as the oil goes back to the pan. This is one area that most folks overlook when equiping their trucks for towing. Engine life could be extended with an additional engine oil cooler.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
Understanding Flash Point
Engine life could be extended with an additional engine oil cooler
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 28
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From: South Brunswick, NJ
Understanding Flash Point
Thanks for the replys,
So is 400 degrees for an oils flash point considered to be a good or high rating for a dino oil? What would be an absolute minimum flash point that would be safe to use? Obviously the higher the better but I would like to know the lowest safe flash point to compare from or compare synthetic to dino. thanks for the help
So is 400 degrees for an oils flash point considered to be a good or high rating for a dino oil? What would be an absolute minimum flash point that would be safe to use? Obviously the higher the better but I would like to know the lowest safe flash point to compare from or compare synthetic to dino. thanks for the help
