Engine Lubrication: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTIONThe lubrication system consists of an oil pan, oil pump screen, oil pump, oil filter and oil pressure regulator. This pressure-fed lubrication system supplies oil to the moving parts of the engine.
OPERATION
At high engine speeds, the oil pump supplies a much higher amount of oil than required for lubrication of the engine. The oil pressure regulator prevents too much oil from entering the engine lubrication passages. During normal oil supply a coil spring and valve keeps the bypass closed, directing all oil pumped to the engine. When the amount of oil being pumped increases, the pressure becomes high enough to overcome the force of the spring, opening the valve and allowing excess oil to flow through the valve and drain back to the engine pan. Oil is pumped from the oil pan by the oil pump. After it passes through the oil filter, it is fed through two paths to lubricate the cylinder block and cylinder head. In one path, the oil is pumped through oil passages in the crankshaft to the connecting rods, then to the pistons and cylinders. It then drains back to the oil pan. In the second path, the oil is pumped through passages to the camshaft gears. The oil passes through internal passageways in the camshafts to lubricate the valve assemblies before draining back to the oil pan.