How Car Engine Oil is Picked Up

Engine oil is essential for the proper functioning of a car engine. It helps to lubricate the moving parts of the engine, reduce friction, and protect against wear and tear. In order for the engine oil to do its job, it must be picked up and circulated throughout the engine. This is accomplished by the oil pump.

The Oil Pump

The oil pump is a mechanical device that is responsible for picking up oil from the oil pan and circulating it throughout the engine. There are two main types of oil pumps: positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps.

Positive displacement pumps use a series of gears or vanes to create a positive displacement of oil. This type of pump is very efficient and can generate high pressures. Centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to create a centrifugal force that draws oil up from the oil pan. This type of pump is less efficient than a positive displacement pump, but it is also less expensive.

The oil pump is driven by the engine’s crankshaft. This ensures that the oil pump is always running when the engine is running.

The Oil Pan

The oil pan is a reservoir that stores the engine oil. It is usually located at the bottom of the engine. The oil pan has a drain plug that allows the oil to be drained for maintenance.

The oil pan is designed to hold a certain amount of oil. This amount of oil is called the oil capacity. The oil capacity is usually specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

The Oil Filter

The oil filter is a device that removes contaminants from the engine oil. It is usually located in the oil pan or near the oil pump. The oil filter is made up of a filter element and a housing.

The filter element is made of a porous material that traps contaminants. The housing contains the filter element and provides a seal between the filter element and the engine block.

The oil filter is essential for keeping the engine oil clean. A dirty oil filter can restrict the flow of oil and cause premature wear and tear on the engine.

The Oil Pressure Relief Valve

The oil pressure relief valve is a device that protects the engine from high oil pressure. It is usually located in the oil pump or near the oil filter.

The oil pressure relief valve is a spring-loaded valve that opens when the oil pressure exceeds a certain level. This allows the excess oil to flow back to the oil pan.

The oil pressure relief valve is important for preventing damage to the engine. High oil pressure can cause seals to leak and bearings to fail.

Conclusion

The oil pickup system is an essential part of the engine’s lubrication system. It ensures that the engine oil is picked up from the oil pan and circulated throughout the engine. The oil pickup system consists of the oil pump, the oil pan, the oil filter, and the oil pressure relief valve.