What type of lubricating oil should be added to a plunger pump?
3 Answers
Plunger pumps do not require additional lubrication. Below is relevant information about plunger pumps: 1. Structural types: Plunger pumps are divided into two representative structural types—axial plunger pumps and radial plunger pumps. Since radial plunger pumps belong to a new type of high-efficiency pump with relatively high technical content, as domestic production accelerates, radial plunger pumps will inevitably become an important component in the application field of plunger pumps. Radial plunger pumps are those where the reciprocating motion direction of the piston or plunger is perpendicular to the drive shaft. 2. Mechanical principle: The total stroke length L of the reciprocating motion of the plunger in a plunger pump remains constant and is determined by the lift of the cam. The fuel supply amount per cycle of the plunger depends on the fuel supply stroke, which is variable and not controlled by the camshaft. The fuel supply timing does not change with variations in the fuel supply stroke. Rotating the plunger can alter the end timing of the fuel supply, thereby changing the fuel supply amount. During operation, under the action of the cam on the fuel injection pump camshaft and the plunger spring, the plunger is forced to move up and down in a reciprocating motion, completing the oil pumping task. The oil pumping process can be divided into the following two stages.
Let me tell you about adding lubricating oil to the plunger pump. As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe it's essential to use specialized hydraulic oil, such as ISO VG 46 grade. This type of oil can withstand high temperatures and pressures, reducing pump wear. I've seen many friends use regular engine oil, only to end up with premature pump failure and oil leaks. Generally, the car manufacturer's user manual will specify the exact type—don't skip this step; checking the manual is always reliable. Additionally, the quality of the lubricating oil directly affects fuel consumption and emissions, so I recommend using branded products and checking the oil level every six months or so to keep it clean. Never use the wrong oil, as it can cause the plunger pump to seize or even explode, which is a major safety hazard. If you don't have the manual, look up your car model on forums or consult a professional technician to avoid unnecessary repair costs.
I think plunger pump lubrication is quite straightforward, the key is matching it to the application. After driving various vehicles, I've found that oil requirements differ for different pumps—like fuel pumps or power steering pumps. In most cases, synthetic hydraulic oils like AW32 or ISO VG46 will do, but it depends on the environment; oil should be thinner in summer and thicker in winter. Always clean the pump housing before adding oil to avoid dust contamination. I've made the stupid mistake of using the wrong oil, which increased noise and accelerated part wear. My advice is to change the oil regularly and inspect every 10,000 km to extend the pump's lifespan. A money-saving tip: don't buy the cheapest no-name oils—mid-range branded oils are more durable. Also, make sure not to overfill the oil; this simple step can prevent issues.
