6 Best Penetrating Oil for Seized Engine & Rusted Bolts [2024 Reviews]

An engine requires its conduction every day to keep itself active and swift. It’s one of the significant characteristics of an engine that the more you make it work actively and polish it with penetrating oil, the more it keeps providing service.

But certain reasons are responsible for the seizing of the engine. Penetrating oil is the main food to an engine and rusted metals as well. The best penetrating oil for the seized engine and rusted bolts can provide immense energy by clearing rust and friction.

Moreover, it reduces the corrosion of an engine as well. Besides, when you try to activate a jammed engine that has been stuck for many years, it requires the penetrating oil as well. However, finding effective penetrating oil might take you a lot of time.

Therefore, we’ve come up with the top 6 selections of penetrating oil to make your engine work swiftly. So, stay tuned.

6 Penetrating Oil – Comparison:

Types of Penetrating Oil Are Effective in Un-Seizing a Seized Engine?

Engines come in different varieties and they also get seized on various ranges. Therefore, they require different types of penetrating oil as well. These oil types help repair the seized engine to make it effective again. Let’s check out the types at once.

Emulsion Penetrating Oil:

Emulsion penetrating oil is the best form of water-soluble oil. This oil carries water to a large extent to give a fulfilled form to its formula. This type of penetrating oil has a great ability to dilute in water. By diluting in water, the oil can lower its concentration.

Sometimes it lowers the concentration to under 10 percent to save the sensitive engines. Because some engines cannot withstand harsh chemicals in penetrating oil. for this reason, this type of oil is the best solution for them.

Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic Penetrating Oil:

Some engines are seized so horribly that all they need is a very harsh penetrating oil with tougher ingredients. Synthetic or semi-synthetic penetrating oil is made with some of the strongest chemicals including silicone, esters, and diesters. These chemicals work on the tough grease and rust hilariously and break the bond.

Though they affect the surface because of the harsh chemical reactions, they work as coolants and fire extinguishers.

Straight Oil:

Petroleum oil is very popular among penetrating oil and this is one of the straight oils. Besides, many mineral oils are also included in this section. These types of straight oils are so much easier to use. As they don’t require diluting in water, they are more convenient to use. Besides, they don’t contain harsh or toxic ingredients.

Also, they provide smooth finishing and even surfaces. They have ingredients like vegetable oils, chlorine, and sulfur. These ingredients are less toxic and great for lubricants.

6 Best Penetrating Oil for Seized Engine & Rusted Bolts – 2024 Reviews:

As an engine is the sole part of a machine that runs the whole machine, it requires the penetrating oil to get rid of the rust and free itself. Straight oils are the best for engines and whole machines as they don’t contain toxicity.

Besides, for strong reaction synthetic or semi-synthetic penetrating oil can be used. Now check out some of the best collections of penetrating oil from our research.

1. Kano Aerokroil Penetrating Oil:

Kano Aerokroil Penetrating Oil is our first and foremost choice for its effectiveness, long-lasting service, and other many promising characteristics. You can use this premium penetrating oil in every part of a machine where a high amount of friction happens a lot because this oil withstands those areas like a professional. It’s also best for a stuck engine.

Among the good characteristics, this is thin and will not run. Also, it doesn’t freeze until it’s fulfilling its purpose. The oil has a versatile use from treadmill belts to the seized engine and rusted bolts. The formula of the oil is fit for displacing moisture from the surface in a better and faster way. Besides activating the seized engine, this oil removes the chances of corrosion and rust immediately.

The layer that they provide alongside the penetration is water-resistant. Therefore, your metal parts remain safe and unaffected by the oil a bit. However, with a great fan base, this oil has earned the trust of a many people. With its great efficiency, the oil penetrates through every inch and tough area where other lubricants refuse to enter and break down the obstacles at once.

You’ll get your work done within a minute with this premium penetrating oil as well. The greatness of the oil is so evident that every supreme industry has picked up this solution to make their business activate. Moreover, this oil even has records like breaking down 16 or more years old stiffness of a rusted bolt and many more.

Things We Liked:

• Highly Effective, premium, lightweight, and easily applicable
• Helps in resisting rust by providing long-lasting protective layers
• Does not gum up like other lubes and is trusted by industrial machines
• Penetrates through every narrow rusted space by reducing the tension
• Balances the moisture and works within a minute

Things We Didn’t Like:

• A little bit expensive

2. PB Blaster 16-PB Penetrating Catalyst:

If you have got a lot of rust problems in your engine then this Pb Blaster 16-PB Penetrating Catalyst is a perfect suitor for your job. This oil is greatly known for its charismatic way of removing grease and rust to make the engine and metal parts of a machine work again. Apart from its superior size, the container of the oil comes with an easy application system.

The performance of the oil is so convincing that many well-branded penetrating oils cannot get along with it. Also, the unique sprayer can reach any narrow point of a metal part that requires oiling the most. This smart system makes the whole container not only maneuverable but also useful. It removes the rust and freezing by attacking it terribly and saves you from ultimate trouble.

With great reviews, this product has earned already great fandom. A bottle of this penetrating oil is determined to serve you for many years. Besides, this petroleum-based oil not only heals the seized engine of rusted bolts but also works tremendously on fishing reels, sports equipment, and so on.

The convenient fact about the oil is it has a long-term impact on the metal parts with its non-evaporating additives. It also contributes to keeping the metal parts safe and prepare for all kinds of tough situations. Once you apply this substance, you’ll not have to worry about the metal being affected by corrosion and rust for a long period.

Things We Liked:

• Can be used in fixing a stuck engine, rusted bolt, the hinge of a door, fishing reels, and so on
• The advantage of getting reliable capillary action to affect the rust from every side
• Outstanding maneuverability allows it to be used on small rusted metals and engines and loosens the bond of the rust quickly
• A great inexpensive solution for industrial machinery including marine application
• The advantage of long-term effect and non-evaporative lubricant

Things We Didn’t Like:

• The container might seem a little large

3. WD-40 – 490224 Multi-Use Product with SMART STRAW:

WD-40 – 490224 Multi-Use Product with SMART STRAW is a very renowned product for its versatility and smart formula. This amazing penetrating oil is the best treatment for your bigger to the smaller sized engine. By displacing the moisture from the weather, this oil can perform quite satisfactorily and safely. This setting of the penetrating oil allows it to perform on an electrical system as well.

With the inhibit additive the oil further removes corrosion and does not let the surface friction again in many years. It works as a shield and helps to break down or loosen the jammed parts of an engine. Besides, it cleans the surface tidily and doesn’t let the dust sit on it in any possible way.

The oil is also capable of stopping the squeaky noise of the metal parts from the engine to the door lock. The unique way of spreading the oil out of the container makes it more impressive. It carries the setting of spraying two ways to the determined space. Besides, you can adjust the flow of the oil as per your wish. Also, the amount of penetrating oil a regular-sized can carries will make you startle for sure.

From removing sticker residue to removing gum, gunk, and horrible grease, this oil has immense potential to outsmart other penetrating oils. Besides, people show inseparable love for this penetrating oil as it is also best for seized snowblower engines. The product helps to improve the surface and makes it even.

Things We Liked:

• Can be used in removing sticky and toughly greasy surface
• The advantage of adjusting the stream
• Improves the metal parts for a longer period
• Comes with a unique feature for spraying oil in congested and rusted metal parts
• Larger than the regular can with a satisfying amount of oil that removes corrosion and provides lubrication.

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Need to learn its setting to make it useful

4. Liquid Wrench L106:

You never seen any product with deep penetrating ability if you haven’t met with Liquid Wrench L106 Penetrating oil yet. This product is formulated with a powerful additive to work effectively on the jammed or seized engine. It pierces the grease and tough rust so significantly that you’ll not find even any residue of them.

This product comes with 100 percent safety for the material and never has any bad impact on it. Even the stubborn corrosion never gets its way out of the effectiveness of the penetrating oil. Also, you don’t need to worry about the bad odor of oil because this product has got your back already by providing almost a low odor.

However, this substance is not only safe for the surface of engines but also safe for the painted surface as well. It even works finely on plastic with its 0 percent VOC. If any parts are frozen for many days, this product is going to help by undoing the knots and obstacles. Making the surface smooth and swift, this product will win your heart.

The feature of the oil container is also convenient enough. The stream you get from the spray will amaze you for sure. You just need to fit the nozzle and hose pipe in the container and the rest will be done by the penetrating oil. This product has also been famous for many years now and people from all areas started to recommend this product long ago for an effective result.

Things We Liked:

• The advantage of getting a tough player for tough rusts
• The anti-seizing formula works tremendously
• Even the PVC or plastic can withstand the product
• No VOC formula for better achievement
• Comes with a low odor and cuts undo rusted bolts

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Requires a little fitting with the nozzle and hose pipe

5. 3-IN-ONE – 120018 Fast-Acting Penetrant Drip Oil:

If you want a very quick activation of your seized engine, this 3-IN-ONE – 120018 Fast-Acting Penetrant Drip Oil would be your best and wise decision. It comes with the best formula to loosen the frozen and rusted parts of the engine within the shortest time. It’s also tested by the Independent laboratory. This oil doesn’t even feel sticky unlike most of the lubricants.

However, it also says that the oil penetrates profoundly and the performance is 3 precious times faster than any other penetrating oil. It easily can be used in places where there is jam, corrosion, and rust. The container of the oil is squeezable. Therefore, you can serve the amount of oil you want on the surface.

Besides, the size of the bottle is also convincing enough. It carries a spout that makes the conduction of the bottle easier. You can reach spots where other bottles of penetrating oil fail to enter. However, this product works great in canceling the harsh and squeaky noise of the door and its hinges as well.

The oil also does not spread any toxicity or bad smell. It has a mild fragrance which is certainly tolerable. It leaves a thin layer that protects the surface from further corrosion or rust for many days. People are also flattered by the service of the penetrating oil and some have chosen to give it a 5-star rating. But because the container creates a leakage issue sometimes, some people find it a little inconvenient.

Things We Liked:

• Its super-fast rust-removal working ability impresses everyone
• Provides squeezable bottle for convenient streaming
• Provides profound penetration
• Spares the door from having squeaky noises
• Comes with a proper amount of lubrication and doesn’t spread toxicity

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Has some leakage issues

6. Gasoila – RE01 Free All Rust Eater Deep:

This Gasolia – RE01 Free All Rust Eater Deep Penetrating Oil is another gem that amazes us with its efficient ingredients and proper formula. This oil eats up the rust and vanishes the last remaining residue so magnificently that you will become a fan of this oil instantly after using it.

The product is not only a suitable eater for rust, but it gulps grease, tar, graphite, and carbon like a hungry bull shark and saves you from multiple troubles. This versatile oil also helps to loosen the bond of stuck parts of the engine and free them from each other.

Apart from freeing the stuck parts, this oil heals the place and makes it smoother. This characteristic makes the penetrating oil best for stuck engines and many other metal-based machines. However, this penetrating oil comes with no toxic ingredients. Even it is far away from using silicone as an ingredient.

Therefore, this oil is safe for all kinds of surfaces including paint. Also, it carries very low viscosity. The aerosol spray can provide an advantage in spreading oil to the destined spot. However, its breaking strength has impressed many users. Still, some people do not think this product is the best one for regular use because it sometimes fails to break heavy rust.

Things We Liked:

• Amazing rust-breaking strength
• Comes with a good spraying system
• The can size is ideal enough
• Comes with rust-eating ingredients
• Makes an impact within a short time

Things We Didn’t Like:

• Doesn’t sometimes eat the heavy rust effectively

How to Free a Seized Engine with Diesel: A Comprehensive Guide

Before diving into the solution, it’s essential to understand why an engine seizes. An engine can seize due to several reasons, such as:

1. Lack of Lubrication: Insufficient oil or poor-quality oil can cause friction and heat buildup, leading to engine components locking up.
2. Rust and Corrosion: Prolonged exposure to moisture and neglect can lead to rust and corrosion on engine internals, impeding movement.
3. Overheating: Extreme temperatures can cause engine components to expand, resulting in a temporary seizure.
4. Foreign Objects: Debris or foreign objects in the engine can interfere with the moving parts.

Diesel Fuel: The Unconventional Solution

Diesel fuel, known for its lubricating properties and high flash point, can be used to free a seized engine. The idea behind this method is that diesel acts as a solvent, penetrating and loosening the rust and corrosion that may be causing the seizure. Here’s how to do it:

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

1. Diesel fuel
2. Socket wrench set
3. Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
4. A container for used diesel

Step 1: Safety First

Before starting, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and wearing the necessary safety gear. Diesel fumes can be harmful if inhaled, and safety glasses will protect your eyes from any splashes.

Step 2: Remove Spark Plugs or Glow Plugs

If your engine is gasoline-powered, remove the spark plugs. For diesel engines, remove the glow plugs. This step is crucial as it relieves compression within the cylinders, making it easier to turn the engine over.

Step 3: Pour Diesel Fuel

Using a funnel, carefully pour a small amount of diesel fuel into each cylinder. Start with a few ounces in each cylinder, ensuring that it reaches the rings and pistons.

Step 4: Let It Soak

Allow the diesel fuel to sit in the cylinders for at least 24 hours. This soaking period is crucial as it gives the diesel fuel time to work its way into the rust and corrosion, breaking it down and making it easier to turn the engine.

Step 5: Try to Turn the Engine

After the soaking period, try to turn the engine using a socket wrench and a suitable socket on the crankshaft pulley or flywheel. Turn the engine in the normal direction of rotation. If it doesn’t budge, don’t force it; instead, repeat steps 3 and 4 and try again.

Step 6: Gradual Progress

It may take several attempts before the engine starts to turn freely. Be patient and persistent, as the diesel fuel continues to work on the seized components.

Step 7: Reassemble and Test

Once the engine turns freely, reassemble the spark plugs or glow plugs and try starting the engine. If it starts and runs smoothly, you’ve successfully freed the seized engine.

Step 8: Change Engine Oil

After successfully freeing the engine, it’s essential to change the engine oil and filter to remove any contaminants that may have entered the system during the process.

FAQs:

Question: What can I use to free up a seized engine?

Answer: A seized engine can only be tamed by removing the grease, and rust, and loosening the bonds of stuck metal parts. And this job can be done by using a scraper, putty knife, a reliable lubricant, or penetrating oil. However, the use of a scraper or putty knife can damage the engine inside out. Therefore, the best solution is to use quality penetrating oil that carries ingredients to eat rust and clear the surface.

Question: How to use penetrating oil?

Answer: Penetrating oil comes in a container for the convenience of the user. Some containers of penetrating oil come with a nozzle and hose pipe, some come with a spout and some are squeezable bottles as containers. However, you need to spread the oil to the places where it is required. Spread a limited amount of penetrating oil on the spot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

You might not have to wait for 10-15 minutes if you select qualitative penetrating oil. It will require a minute or two to accomplish the job. Also, it puts a significant layer to put away the dust and provides a seamless finish.

Question: What’s the best fluid to unseized a seized engine?

Answer: As we’ve discussed many penetrating oils for repairing an unseized engine, it is evident that there are some significant penetrating oils available in the market. However, WD-40 penetrating oil is a famous fluid for its manufacturer has been working for many years on it and each year the oil is evolving tremendously.

However, Kroil is another best fluid that works nicely to actuate the engine. Besides, you can follow our best options for fluid to free a seized engine that we’ve discussed above.

Question: Are penetrating oils capable of preventing rust?

Answer: Many penetrating oils come with extraordinary capabilities and pulling out stubborn rust is one of the capabilities for sure. Multiple-layered rust affects the machine terribly. Therefore, they need strong chemical-filled penetrating oil. Many penetrating oils come with phosphorus, sulfur, and silicone chemicals.

These chemicals work effectively and eat up the rust without leaving a residue. Not only rust, but these penetrating oils are also capable of removing grease, carbon, graphite, and so on.

Question: Can old oil seize an engine?

Answer: There are chances that old oil loses its significance and capabilities with time. Expired oil will not work in freeing an engine. Rather it might cause rust and grease and worsen the situation. Apart from mechanical failure, using old oil might not evoke a great result. Therefore, it’s better to not use old oil and adopt new oil to get an effective result.

Can a seized engine be fixed with oil?

In some cases, a seized engine can be fixed with oil if the seizure is caused by low oil levels or lack of lubrication. Adding oil might help loosen stuck components. However, if the engine has seized due to overheating, rust, or mechanical damage, oil alone won’t fix it, and more extensive repairs or part replacements will be needed.

What is the best mixture for a seized engine?

The best mixture to attempt freeing a seized engine often includes a blend of penetrating oil and automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Here’s a common mixture used:

1. 50% penetrating oil (like PB Blaster or WD-40): This helps to break down rust, corrosion, and loosen stuck parts.
2. 50% automatic transmission fluid (ATF): Known for its lubricating properties, ATF helps to penetrate and lubricate the internal engine components.

Procedure:

• Remove the spark plugs and pour this mixture into the cylinders.
• Let it sit for several hours, or even overnight, to allow the mixture to penetrate and loosen the seized parts.
• Afterward, try manually turning the crankshaft with a wrench to see if it can rotate.

Final Thoughts:

Penetrating oil with low quality can bring unnecessary trouble to you. Besides messing up the place, it will spread bad odor, gum up easily, and attract dust and debris. Also, there is a chance that the metal is affected by the oil as well. Therefore, selecting an effective penetrating oil to unseized the seized engine and to free up the stuck parts is as important as anything.

So, if you want your seized engine or rusted bolts or greasy hinge to act like before, adopt the best choices for penetrating oil from above (reviews of 2024). You’ll know about the result within minutes.

Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by Rogers Weber

[As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.]