Engine Lubrication: Description and Operation

DESCRIPTION
The engine lubricating system has forced-flow lubrication, with the oil pressure being generated by a gear pump consisting of a pinion and an eccentric ring gear. The pump is located in the transmission end of the engine and is powered by the crankshaft.

OPERATION
Oil is drawn from the sump to the oil pump via a strainer and pipe. A pressure-reducing valve in the oil pump housing limits the oil pressure and returns surplus oil to the inlet side of the pump. The pressure reducing valve is controlled by cooled and filtered oil. The oil then continues via the heat exchanger to the oil filter and on into the main oil-way of the engine. From the main channel, the oil continues to the main bearings and the distribution oil-ways to lubricate the individual cylinder heads. The oil is also directed back from the main oil-way to the oil pump housing to feed the front main bearing and to regulate the pressure in the pressure reducing valve.

AIR PURGE
Also mounted on the oil pump housing is the oil pressure sensor. When the oil pressure drops too low, the sensor grounds the electrical circuit for the warning lamp in the main instrument display. The camshaft bearings and tappets are supplied with oil from a horizontally drilled oil-way for each camshaft. Each oil-way has a purging nozzle to ensure that all air is bled out when starting.