EO M232.

04
RECOGNIZE THE FUNCTIONS OF OIL IN A
FOUR-STROKE PISTON-POWERED ENGINE
FSgt Billing
 Objectives

◦ By the end of this lesson the cadets shall be able to describe the functions of oil in a
four-stroke piston-powered engine.

◦ It is important to know the functions of oil because oil is a very important part of how engines
work and how they remain effective under heavy loads.

◦ Apart from learning how airplanes use oil, this knowledge can also be applied to how a car
uses oil.
TP1 – Oil Lubricates the
Engine
◦ Oil lubricates the engine by creating a smooth barrier between parts that
rub together such as the piston when it moves up and down the cylinder.
◦ Oil has different viscosities (resistance to flow), low viscosity oil flows more
easily than high viscosity oil. Oil also tends to thin as the temperature is
increased, therefore the correct grade of oil must be selected for the
intended operation (hot running engine).
◦ An aircraft will often be seen sitting still with the engine and propeller
running while the engine oil comes up to temperature where it can
effectively flow through the engine.
Confirmation of TP1.
◦ How does oil lubricate an engine?
TP2 – Oil Seals the Engine
◦ Oil seals the combustion chamber by preventing the expanding gases
from leaking out during engine strokes.
◦ Oil has a demand to meet (bond), a high viscosity oil provides the best
seal for the combustion chamber, but a low viscosity oil enables the oil to
be delivered in greater quantity.
◦ The same oil must do both jobs, so the engine manufacturer must
consider both requirements when specifying the viscosity and grade of the
oil being used.
Confirmation of TP2.
◦ How does oil provide a seal?
TP3 – Oil Cools Hot Spots in
the Engine
◦ Certain parts of the engine get hotter than others (areas near combustion
chamber), oil cools hot spots in the engine by carrying heat away and
equalizing temperature within the engine.
◦ This equalization also helps to bring a cold engine up to operating
temperature.
Confirmation of TP3.
◦ How does oil cool hot spots in the engine?
TP4 – Oil Flushes the Engine
◦ Oil removes dirt and other tiny particles which are harmful to the engine.
Therefore, we should replace oil frequently, as so to make sure there is
enough clean oil to flush out the grim and dirt of the engine.
◦ As oil flows through the engine, it passes through an oil filter. This filter fills
with debris and must be changed regularly to remain effective.
Confirmation of TP4.
◦ Which component should be changed regularly for the oil to remain effective?
ANY QUESTIONS?
EO M232.04 - FSgt Billing