tin oxide corrosion occurs in white metals.black(dark grey)surface layer attached to white metal.bright tin-antimony specks show on examination.
layer hardness: 350 VPS(vickers pyramid hardness)
orig white metal hardness:30 VPS (compare mild steel 130 VPS).
due to this hardness all soft bearing props r lost.if rust were to find its way in then, journal damage ensues rather than the bearing.
TO corrosion reduces clearances.in worst case blocks lubrication..high temp...seizure!!
factors causing TO corrosion: water ingress,extreme pressure additives(especially those based on chlorides),
white metal composition(cadmium addition helps)