What are the components of an engine lubrication system?

[GiselleMarie]

The engine lubrication system consists of an oil pump, pressure regulating valve, oil pickup, oil filter, oil cooler, oil pressure sensor, nozzles, oil passages, and crankcase ventilation filter. The function of the lubrication system is to continuously deliver an adequate amount of clean oil at the appropriate temperature to all moving parts' friction surfaces during engine operation, forming an oil film between these surfaces to achieve liquid friction. This reduces friction resistance, lowers power consumption, and minimizes component wear, thereby enhancing the engine's operational reliability and durability. Below is the classification of lubrication methods: 1. Pressure lubrication: This method supplies oil to friction surfaces under a certain pressure and is primarily used for lubricating heavily loaded surfaces such as main bearings, connecting rod bearings, and camshaft bearings. 2. Splash lubrication: This method utilizes oil droplets or mist splashed by moving parts during engine operation to lubricate friction surfaces. It is mainly used for lubricating lightly loaded surfaces such as cylinder walls, camshafts, lifters, valve stems, and rocker arms in the valve train. 3. Grease lubrication: This involves periodically applying grease through grease fittings to lubricate working surfaces of components like water pump and generator bearings.

[ColtonRose]

I usually enjoy tinkering with engines myself, and it's essential to understand the core components of the lubrication system. The oil pump is responsible for drawing oil from the oil pan and pressurizing it to keep the oil circulating. The oil filter must be replaced regularly; otherwise, metal shavings can clog it and cause trouble. The main oil gallery acts like a highway, delivering oil to critical parts such as the crankshaft and camshaft. The oil pan stores the oil at the very bottom, and you can change the oil by loosening the drain plug. There's also the oil cooler, which prevents the oil from overheating during aggressive driving. Don’t underestimate the relief valve—it automatically releases pressure when it gets too high to protect the system. Check the oil dipstick every 5,000 kilometers and top it up if the level is low, ensuring the engine remains durable in the long run.

[Pete]

The mechanic at the repair shop told me that the lubrication system is like the blood circulation of the engine. The oil pump is the heart, and the filter is the kidneys responsible for filtering impurities. The main oil passage delivers oil to high-friction areas such as crankshaft bearings and connecting rod bearings, while the branch oil passages lead to the valve rocker arms. The oil pan is designed with a slope to facilitate the complete drainage of old oil. Nowadays, many cars come equipped with an oil pressure sensor—if the dashboard shows a red warning light, it needs immediate attention. It's best to use full synthetic oil during every maintenance, especially for turbocharged models, as it provides better protection under high temperatures.

[AlanLynn]

I remember when learning auto repair, the teacher used an engine model for disassembly, and the components of the lubrication system were clearly visible: the oil pickup is the first to contact the engine oil, and it has a metal filter screen; there are two types of oil pumps, gear-type and rotor-type; the coarse filter removes large particles, while the fine filter deals with small impurities. The crankcase ventilation valve is often overlooked, but it's crucial for balancing internal pressure. The turbocharger has a dedicated lubricating oil pipe, and if damaged, it can cause blue smoke. Modified cars also require an additional oil cooling system, otherwise, the engine oil will boil after just a few laps on the track.