Document Name: Lubrication System of an Engine

Purpose of Lubrication System

• To minimize the friction, thus reducing power losses.
• To reduce wear & tear of moving components.
• To act as an oil-seal-preventing blow-by.
• To act as a coolant.
• To act as a cleaning agent.
• Cushions the sudden thrust on bearings.

The different types of lubrications are

Pressure Lubrication
Usually by an engine mounted lubricating oil pump pressure lubrication is achieved.
The pump can be of the plunger type, gear type or "G" rotor type.
Used to lubricate the crankshaft, main bearings and journals, connecting rod large and small
end bearings, camshaft journals, rocker assembly, turbocharger, etc.

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 Document Name: Lubrication System of an Engine

Splash Lubrication
This is done by oil thrown by the high speed rotating components of the engine, such as the
crankshaft. Used to lubricate crankshaft, liners, piston and gear train.

Mist Lubrication
Lubrication by oil droplets which are formed oil fumes.
Used to lubricate the valve rockers of small single cylinder engines.

Components in lubrication system are

• Oil pan
• Oil pump
• Pressure regulator
• Lubricating oil filter
• Filter head
• By-pass filter
• Oil coolers
• Piston cooling nozzles
• Pressure gauge
• Dip stick
And Lubricating oil….
 Document Name: Lubrication System of an Engine

Lubrication system -
Function of components in lubrication system
Oil pan
• Place to store the oil required for engine
• Different configurations depending on - Application, location, capacity, angularity
• Cast iron, sheet metal or aluminium
• Functions are common in all engines
Lubrication system -
Function of components in lubrication system
Oil pump
• Drive through gear train - a positive drive
• Pulls oil from oil pan through screen assembly & suction tube
• Tube - internal or external
• Size & No. of internal gears decide capacity
Pressure regulating Valve

• Regulates lub. oil pressure within the system.

• Usually preset, it cannot be adjusted.
 Document Name: Lubrication System of an Engine

Lubricating oil filter

• Paper element type
• Pump mounted / Remote mounted
• Oil flow from in to out
• Larger foreign particles suspended in oil trapped in element
• Becomes clogged & needs to be replaced
• By-pass valve provided - located in filter head
• Allows unfiltered oil for lubrication when filter choked & pressure differential 37 psi.

Piston cooling nozzles

• In turbocharged engines combustion heat is tremendous
• P.C.nozzles help in reducing temp. of pistons
• Various shapes & sizes for different models
• Constant flow of cool oil underneath the piston
• A separate oil gallery provided for P.C. nozzles

Pressure gauge & temperature gauge

• Sufficient oil pressure essential to reach the highest point
• Optimum oil temperature essential for proper lubrication
• Available in digital or analog mode
• Gauges are warning devices
• Readings must be monitored, noted & studied
 Document Name: Lubrication System of an Engine

Dipstick
• The dipstick measures the quantity of oil in the sump. It is usually grooved with low
and high markings to help users maintain the correct oil level in the sump

L
CAUTION :
Oil level to be checked when the engine is in cold condition.
Lubricating oil
The operating life of an engine depends on the use of the correct type of lub oils. To ensure
this, oils recommended by the engine manufacturer should be used.
All standard lubricating oils have a brand name and the SAE number. The brand name
indicates the oil specification. The SAE number denotes the oil viscosity.

For Eg: 15 W 40 CI4