6.

Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Engine Lubrication Systems

Automotive – Components & Operation

This presentation will explore:

 Lubrication System Operation
 Lubrication Components
 Oil Distribution Systems
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Lubrication System
The reservoir of oil is held in the
Automotive – Components & Operation

sump (deep part of the oil pan).

Galleries
The oil is drawn into the engine
through a pickup.

Oil is forced round the system

by a pump.
Filter
The system is protected
from over high pressure,
by a pressure relief valve.

Particulates are strained Sump

Pressure
out by a filter. relief
valve Pickup
The oil is circulated around in Pump
galleries within the head and block. 2 of 13
6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Use of Oil
Oil acts as a hydrodynamic barrier between
Automotive – Components & Operation

moving parts, to reduce friction and wear and

remove heat from the working surfaces.
Oil film

Oil is usually refined from

petroleum or crude oil, but there
are many synthetic (man made)
oils available.

For plain rotating bearings, the Crankshaft journal

shaft diameter is made
smaller (typically 0.0762mm) Bearing shell
than the bore diameter of
the bearing shell, to allow
space for the oil film. Oil film

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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Viscosity
Viscosity is the flow rate of oil, using the SAE (Society
Automotive – Components & Operation

30 10
of Automotive Engineers) ratings, SAE 10, SAE 20,
SAE 30, SAE 40, SAE 50.

Low viscosity (on the right) flows more easily, and

is better for cold (starting) operation.

High viscosity is better when the engine is hot.

Most modern oils are mixtures of both, having

multiviscosity (multiweight or multigrade), for
example 10W30 to overcome the problems caused
by the range of temperatures an engine may need
to operate within.

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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Oiling Methods
Automotive – Components & Operation

Pressure-feed systems raise the oil to feed the upper parts of the engine.
Splash and drip-feed systems feed oil to the lower parts, returning surplus
oil to the sump.
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Lubrication System Components

Dipstick measures level of oil in the sump.
Automotive – Components & Operation

Sump bolts to the bottom of the cylinder block and holds the oil supply. It is
sealed by a gasket.
Sump gasket Sump

Oil filter mounted

on cylinder block.
Oil Filter
Oil pump mounted
to block. Drain
plug
Oil pickup links
sump to oil pump.
Dip stick

Drain plug, to change oil. Oil pump Oil

housing pickup
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Rotary Oil Pump

An inner rotor is driven by the Outer rotor
Automotive – Components & Operation

pump shaft. Inner rotor

The inner rotor then drives an

outer rotor.

A low-pressure region is created

at the inlet, that draws oil in.

The rotation creates a high-

pressure region at the
outlet, forcing oil out and
around the engine.

The rotor may be directly driven

by a shaft, or may be gear or even Pump housing
chain driven.
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Crankshaft-Driven Pump
This pump is driven directly from Crankshaft splines
Automotive – Components & Operation

splines on the crankshaft. Main seal Pump housing

These splines drive the inner

gear (rotor).

Outer gear
The inner gear (rotor) drives
the outer gear.

The pump housing is at the front

of the engine in this design.

The pump insert holds the pump Inner gear

drive within the housing.
Pump insert
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Gear Type Pump Drive gear

The pump shaft drives one of the gears.

Automotive – Components & Operation

This turns the other gear in the

opposite direction.

The turning of the gears produces low

pressure at the inlet and high pressure at
the outlet, forcing oil through the engine.

Driven gear
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Oil Filter
They are usually a “spin-on” fitting with
Automotive – Components & Operation

an O-ring seal to prevent leakage. Fixing

thread
O-ring
The outlet tube is
at the centre.
Input
feed
Several input feed holes holes
are arranged directly into
the filter element.

The paper element traps

small metal, rust, carbon or
dirt particles.
Paper element Outlet tube
This keeps impurities out of the engine to
prevent damage to working surfaces.
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Oil Filter Housing

Oil pressure Bolts onto cylinder
There may be a separate switch/sending
Automotive – Components & Operation

block
housing that bolts to the cylinder unit
block for mounting the oil filter.

The oil pressure switch/sender unit

may be mounted on this housing.

Some vehicles have oil cooling,

and a cooler adapter or heat Oil
exchanger may be attached here. cooler

The oil filter is fitted onto the

bottom, allowing oil to flow
Oil
through both cooler and filter. filter Heat shield

A heat shield may be used to keep

engine heat away from the cooled oil.
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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Oil Cooler
Oil coolers are sometimes used to
Automotive – Components & Operation

control engine oil temperature.

A heat exchanger similar to a

radiator is used to transfer the
heat to the outside air.

Hoses/pipes are usually

connected to an adapter on
the oil filter housing.

Oil coolers are normally only

Oil cooler
used for heavy-duty applications heat exchanger
such as turbocharged engines
or trailer towing vehicles. Hoses/pipes

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6. Engine Lubrication Systems Theory Support

Galleries
Passages through the cylinder block
Automotive – Components & Operation

and head called galleries carry oil to

all parts of the engine.
Galleries
The engine shown has one camshaft
and many valve train components,
all needing lubrication.

Cylinders must be lubricated to

allow the pistons to move freely
up and down.

Galleries are used to

carry oil to and from
the oil filter.

A large diameter tube joins the

pickup to the oil pump.
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