What are the common types of oil pumps?

[SanBella]

Common types of oil pumps include gear-type oil pumps and rotor-type oil pumps. 1. Gear-type oil pump: The oil pump housing is machined with an inlet and an outlet. Inside the pump housing, there is a driving gear and a driven gear, with a very small gap between the gears and the inner wall of the housing. The working principle is that when the gears rotate clockwise, the volume of the inlet chamber increases due to the movement of the gear teeth away from the meshing direction, creating a certain vacuum. Lubricating oil is then drawn from the inlet and fills the inlet chamber. The rotating gears carry the oil between the teeth to the outlet chamber. As the gear teeth mesh, the volume of the outlet chamber decreases, increasing the oil pressure, and the lubricating oil is delivered through the outlet to the engine oil passages. 2. Rotor-type oil pump: The pump housing contains an inner rotor and an outer rotor. The inner rotor is fixed to the driving shaft with a key, while the outer rotor’s cylindrical surface fits with the housing, with a certain eccentricity between them. The outer rotor is driven by the inner rotor to rotate. The housing is equipped with an inlet pipe and an outlet. The working principle is that during the rotation of the inner and outer rotors, the tooth profiles of each rotor tooth always make point contact with each other, forming four enclosed working chambers. Since the outer rotor always rotates slower than the inner rotor, the volume of these four working chambers continuously changes. Each working chamber connects with the inlet hole in the housing when its volume is smallest. As the volume increases, a vacuum is created, and when it connects with the outlet hole, the volume gradually decreases, increasing the pressure and forcing the lubricating oil out.

[SanElijah]

Oil pump forms are quite common in cars, and I've always thought that gear pumps are the most ordinary, divided into internal and external meshing types. External meshing means two gears rotating closely together, squeezing the oil out, simple and reliable, used in most small cars. Internal meshing is quieter, with one gear moving inside another, suitable for owners who pursue quietness. Sometimes when watching mechanics replace oil pumps, they check if the oil pressure is normal; if the pressure is too low, a new pump must be installed. Regularly changing the oil can reduce wear, and if the pump fails, the engine may overheat, costing a few hundred dollars to fix. Don't forget to clean the filter screen during maintenance, as dirt can block the oil passage. In short, gear pumps have a simple design, low cost, and are less likely to cause major problems.

[DiVincent]

Having driven an SUV for several years, the oil pump issue reminds me of my first maintenance. The mechanic mentioned that gear pumps are common, like external gear pumps and internal gear pumps. External gear pumps have a straightforward structure, with two meshing gears delivering oil, usually installed at the bottom of the engine. Internal gear pumps operate more quietly, making them suitable for city driving. If the pump fails, the warning light will come on, and you should check the oil pressure immediately. When changing the oil, pay attention to its quality, as dirt can accelerate pump wear. Regularly check the oil dipstick yourself—don’t wait for problems to arise. Gear pumps aren’t expensive to replace, typically costing a few hundred yuan, but neglecting them can affect the car’s lifespan, especially during highway driving.

[VivienneMarie]

From a design perspective, oil pumps mostly use gear pumps, either internal or external engagement types. External engagement relies on gear rotation to squeeze oil, offering high efficiency; internal engagement has lower noise levels. Vane pumps are less commonly used due to higher costs and susceptibility to damage. For maintenance, keeping the oil clean is essential to prevent pump wear. A failed pump leads to a drop in oil pressure, which can damage the engine. Gear pumps are simple, reliable, and dominate the market.

[VonCole]

The oil pump is a critical safety component, commonly in the form of a gear pump, which can be either internal or external gear type. External gear pumps are compact in structure, but prolonged use may lead to gear wear and insufficient oil pressure. If the pump fails, the car may start slowly or trigger warning lights, posing significant risks during high-speed driving. It's essential to regularly check oil levels and pressure, and replace the pump promptly if issues are detected. Gear pumps are generally reliable and can last for several thousand kilometers without issues, but it's advisable to have a technician test them during maintenance. Neglecting the oil pump can result in engine overheating or severe damage, leading to much higher repair costs. For safety's sake, don't skimp on this small expense.

[LaAngelina]

In various types of vehicles, oil pumps are basically the same, with gear pumps being the mainstream, and external and internal gear engagement being the most common. The former has lower costs and is suitable for economy cars; the latter is quieter and may be used in luxury cars. When changing the oil, check for any signs of leakage around the pump, as wear can lead to a drop in oil pressure. Avoid sudden acceleration during normal driving to reduce the load on the pump. Gear pumps have a simple design and are easy to repair, usually costing just a few hundred yuan, but regular maintenance to prevent major issues is more worthwhile.