What are the components of an engine lubrication system?

[OLiam]

The components of an engine lubrication system are: oil pump, pressure regulator valve, oil pickup tube, oil filter, oil cooler, oil pressure sensor, nozzle, oil passage, and crankcase ventilation filter. The functions of an engine lubrication system are: 1. Lubricating the surfaces of moving parts to reduce wear and engine power consumption; 2. Cleaning friction surfaces, removing metal particles and foreign matter; 3. Cooling the heat generated by friction; 4. Improving the sealing between moving parts to prevent gas or oil leaks; 5. Protecting part surfaces from corrosion and rust; 6. Serving as hydraulic fluid; 7. Forming an oil film on moving part surfaces to absorb shock and reduce vibration.

[DeMaci]

The engine lubrication system is like the circulatory system of a car. Key components include the oil pan hidden underneath, which serves as the reservoir for engine oil. An oil pump, functioning like a small water pump, draws the oil from the pan and pressurizes it. The oil then passes through the oil filter, a sieve-like component that removes metal particles and impurities. The cleaned oil flows through various oil passages inside the engine, precisely spraying onto critical friction points like the crankshaft and camshaft. Some high-performance or long-distance heavy-duty vehicles are also equipped with an oil cooler, resembling small heat sinks, specifically designed to cool the oil during high-speed operation. The entire system works in a cycle to ensure that engine components do not suffer from dry friction.

[DeJesse]

Understanding the lubrication system is actually very practical for daily maintenance. The oil pan serves as the engine oil reservoir, and the dipstick inside is the tool we use to check the oil level. The oil filter needs to be replaced most frequently, usually every time the engine oil is changed, otherwise its filtering function declines quickly. If the oil pump pressure is insufficient, the oil warning light on the dashboard will alert you—I've encountered this twice. Also, the sealing gaskets in various places are particularly important, especially the front and rear crankshaft oil seals, as aging and oil leakage in these areas are common issues. Remember, checking for oil stains under the engine is crucial.

[VanKatherine]

The working process of the lubrication system is quite interesting. During a cold start, the oil pump first draws oil from the oil pan, pressurizes it, and then delivers it through the main oil passage. A full-flow oil filter will filter 100% of the oil, while some models use a bypass type that only filters part of it. The finely filtered oil enters the crankcase to lubricate the bearings, and the spray holes on the connecting rods splash oil onto the cylinder walls. The camshaft is lubricated through dedicated oil passages. Finally, the oil flows back to the oil pan by gravity, completing the entire cycle. Along the way, a pressure relief valve controls the oil pressure, which is a clever design.