What are the reasons for the oil pump failing to draw oil?
2 Answers
Oil pump failing to draw oil may be due to low oil level, excessively low oil temperature, insufficient suction force of the oil pump, or blockage in the suction pipe. Below are the reasons for the oil pump failing to draw oil: Low oil level: The oil level is too low, exposing the suction pipe. If the oil level is too low, the suction pipe of the oil pump is exposed above the oil surface, making it impossible to draw oil even with strong suction. It could also be because the position of the suction pipe is too high, leading to the oil pump's inability to draw oil. It is necessary to add oil immediately and avoid continuing to drive. Turn off the vehicle and park it on a flat surface. Wait for about ten minutes, then open the oil filler port and add oil of the same type as the original until the oil level reaches the middle position between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Stop adding oil at this point. Excessively low oil temperature: Excessively low oil temperature causes the oil's viscosity to decrease. Under normal temperature, oil is in a semi-solid state. Once the oil temperature drops, the oil tends to become more solid. This creates significant resistance during the oil pump's operation, which is why the oil pump cannot draw oil. Inspect related components promptly and resolve the issue as soon as possible to prevent minor problems from escalating into major faults. Insufficient suction force of the oil pump: The suction force of the oil pump is not strong enough. The oil pump relies on strong suction to draw oil from outside the suction pipe. If the suction force is insufficient, it becomes difficult to draw oil from a low position to a higher one. It is recommended to check the voltage of the fuel pump. For imported or joint-venture compact cars, the oil pump cannot be repaired and must be replaced with a new one. Blockage in the suction pipe: The suction pipe is blocked. A clear suction pipe is essential for the metering diaphragm pump to draw oil. If the suction pipe is obstructed by foreign objects, the oil pump cannot draw oil. Inspect the suction pipe and remove any foreign objects.
I've encountered the issue of the fuel pump failing to draw oil multiple times. After driving for many years, I've come to understand it's a common problem. Usually, the fuel pump motor burns out or the carbon brushes wear down, causing it to stop working. If internal components fail, the pump just quits. Clogged filter screens are also very common—dirty fuel tanks accumulate debris, blocking the fuel line and making it hard to suck oil. On the electrical side, blown fuses are frequent culprits, and sometimes short circuits or poor connections cut off the power. Another issue is when the fuel tank is too low, making it as hard for the pump to draw oil as sucking through an empty straw. It’s even worse when water vapor mixes in after using low-quality fuel. I remember once on a business trip, I refueled at a small shop, and halfway through, the pump failed, nearly stranding me on the highway. My advice: listen monthly for a slight humming sound from the pump, perform early maintenance, replace the filter, and always refuel at reputable stations—don’t skimp on quality. Keep the fuel line clean, and everything else will work smoothly.
