How to Determine if the Oil Pump is Damaged?
3 Answers
When accelerating, the car feels sluggish and there is a jerking sensation when quickly pressing the accelerator. When starting the vehicle, it needs to stay in the ignition position for a while before it can start normally. An engine fault icon will appear on the vehicle's dashboard.
I've been driving for twenty years and have seen many oil pump failures. The most obvious sign is when the oil pressure light on the dashboard comes on—don't delay, pull over and check immediately. The engine sound will become very strange, like a metallic grinding hum. If the oil level is sufficient, the problem is even more serious—I've experienced this situation myself. At that time, the car had particularly weak acceleration, and the coolant temperature inexplicably rose. Later, at the repair shop, they used a pressure gauge and found the oil pressure was only half of normal. When they opened up the engine, sure enough, the oil pump gears were worn flat. When this part fails, it's like the heart not supplying enough blood—if not addressed promptly, it can cause piston ring damage, and the repair cost could be half the price of a new engine. During routine maintenance, remember to ask the mechanic to check the pressure, especially if you're driving an older car.
There's a systematic approach to checking oil pump failures. First, observe if the oil pressure warning light stays on, then inspect whether the oil dipstick level is normal. If the level is normal but the light remains illuminated, start the engine and listen for abnormal metal friction sounds near the oil pan. For more precise diagnosis, use an oil pressure gauge – normal pressure should exceed 15 psi at idle. If pressure is too low, don't immediately assume the oil pump needs replacement; it could also be caused by overly thin oil or clogged oil passages. When I helped a friend troubleshoot last time, we discovered his car's oil filter was clogged, causing insufficient pressure. Removing the oil pan should be the last resort, only after confirming gear wear or excessive bearing clearance.
