Oil is applied to an engine through a carefully designed lubrication system that ensures all critical parts receive the necessary lubrication to reduce friction and wear. The process involves several steps and pathways to effectively coat engine components.
The Path of Engine Oil
The oil poured into the engine starts its journey at the top and eventually ends up in the oil pan (also known as the sump), located at the bottom, where the drain plug resides.
- Initial Pour: Fresh oil is added through the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
- Gravity's Role: Gravity then pulls the oil down through various internal channels.
- Return Paths: The oil flows through various passages on its return journey to the sump, but only one specific pathway does the work under pressure.
The Pressurized Path: How Oil Does Its Job
Here is how the oil gets to the necessary parts under pressure:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Oil Pump: The oil is then drawn from the sump by the oil pump. | |
| 2. Pressurization: The pump pressurizes the oil. | |
| 3. Filter: This pressurized oil travels through the oil filter, removing contaminants. | |
4. Engine Parts: Clean, pressurized oil is then forced through the engine's network of oil galleries, lubricating parts like:
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| 5. Return: Once the oil completes its lubricating tasks, it flows back to the sump for recirculation, starting the process again. |
Key Function
The critical part of this process is the pressurized path that ensures the oil reaches critical engine components, providing a thin layer of protection between moving parts and preventing metal-on-metal contact. This reduces wear, dissipates heat and extends the life of the engine.
