How Does an Engine Oil Pump Work?
An engine oil pump circulates vital oil throughout the engine to reduce friction and remove heat. Here's how it functions based on its design:
The primary function of an engine oil pump is to take oil from the oil pan, prepare it, and then distribute it under pressure throughout the engine's internal components.
Steps Involved:
- Pulling Oil: Oil is first pulled from the oil pan.
- Filtering: Before entering the pump, the oil goes through a filter which is crucial for removing debris or contaminants.
- Entering the Pump: The filtered oil then enters the pump.
- Pressurization: Inside the pump, the fluid is pressurized.
- Distribution: The pressurized oil is then ready to move throughout the engine's passageways, lubricating and cooling moving parts.
How a Gear Oil Pump Works
One common type is the gear oil pump. This design utilizes the movement of its internal components to create the necessary flow and pressure.
- This type of oil pump has two gears inside.
- These gears rotate continuously when the engine is running.
- As the gears rotate, they create suction at the pump's inlet.
- This suction is what pulls the oil through the inlet and into the pump.
- The rotating gears then force the oil out under pressure.
In summary, the pump draws filtered oil from the pan using suction (often generated by rotating gears) and then pressurizes this oil to ensure it reaches all necessary parts of the engine via dedicated passageways.