Maintaining The Car Engine’s Oil Pump: Best Practices

The oil pump in a car is an essential component that ensures oil reaches all the moving parts in the engine that require lubrication during its operation.

In this article, we will discuss the purpose and function of engine oil pumps, different types of oil pumps, and their importance in maintaining the health and longevity of an engine.

What is an oil pump and what does it do?

An engine oil pump aims to ensure that oil is delivered to all parts of the engine in the correct amounts and at the right times.

Engine oil acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and wear between moving parts, and helps to keep the engine cool by carrying heat away from hot spots.

The oil pump is located in the wet sump, an oil reservoir beneath the crankshaft. The oil is supplied to the pump through an oil filter. The oil then travels through channels, grooves, and holes in the engine to lubricate various components, such as the cam bearings, crankshaft, piston rings, lifters, rocker arms, valve stems, and springs.

What are the two types of oil pumps used in vehicles?

• Gear-driven oil pump: A gear-driven oil pump contains two gears of the same size that interlock and rotate together. Oil flows into the gap between the teeth, and the gears mesh together, forcing the oil out.

• The gerotor oil pump: Gerotor pumps are similar to gear-driven pumps, but use a rotor that rotates within an eccentric ring to create a pumping action.

Gerotor pumps are more efficient and lighter than gear-driven pumps, but they are also more expensive to manufacture.

What is the most common oil pump in a car?

The most common oil pump in a car is the gear-type oil pump, specifically the gerotor type, due to its efficiency and reliability in various engine conditions.

It operates using two gears – an inner gear that is driven by the engine and an outer gear that is driven by the inner one. As these gears rotate, they create suction, drawing oil from the oil pan and subsequently pushing it through the engine’s oil galleries, ensuring proper lubrication of moving parts. This type of pump is favored for its ability to effectively manage oil flow across a wide range of engine speeds, contributing to consistent engine performance and longevity.

What causes a bad oil pump?

• Wear and tear: Over time, the moving parts in an engine oil pump can wear out, leading to reduced efficiency and, in some cases, failure.

• Debris: Debris can accumulate in the oil pump, clogging the flow of oil and causing the pump to fail.

• Lack of lubrication: A lack of oil in the engine or a clogged oil filter can reduce the amount of oil available to lubricate the oil pump, causing it to wear out more quickly.

• Engine overloading: If an engine is operated under heavy loads for long periods, it can put extra strain on the oil pump, causing it to fail or malfunction.

• Contamination: Dirt, debris, and other contaminants can enter the engine oil and cause damage to the oil pump and other engine components.

• Age: Engine oil pumps can become less efficient and prone to failure as they age.

• Improper installation: If an oil pump is not installed correctly, it can cause a range of issues, from leaks to complete failure.

• Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and oil pump inspections, is essential for preventing issues with the engine oil pump.

• Engine Sludge: Engine sludge, which is usually a combination of dirt, contamination, and old engine oil is highly damaging to a vehicle’s mechanical parts, restricting normal oil flow and causing friction and heat build-up, both of which can lead to oil pump failure.
  • Engine sludge, a mixture of dirt, contamination, and used engine oil, can cause severe harm to the mechanical components of a vehicle.

It hinders normal oil flow and results in increased friction and heat buildup, which can ultimately lead to the failure of the oil pump.

How do I know if my oil pump is bad?

Bad oil pumps in a car can have several symptoms.

• Low engine oil pressure: When the oil pump loses its ability to pressurize and pump engine oil, the oil pressure in the engine drops, which can cause serious damage to the engine.

• Increased engine temperature: A restriction in normal engine oil flow, caused by the bad oil pump, leads to increased engine friction, which in turn raises the operating temperature of the engine.

• Noise in hydraulic lifters: When there is a decreased oil flow and pressure to the engine’s hydraulic lifters, it leads to increased noise and wear in the lifters.

• Noise in valve train system: A reduction in oil flow to the valve-train system can also cause valve-train chatter, making the engine’s valve-train system noisy.

• Oil pump noise: Also, a bad oil pump can make a loud whining or whirring sound.

To prevent these symptoms and keep the engine oil pump functioning properly, it is important to follow best practices for engine oil pump maintenance, such as checking oil levels and quality, regularly replacing the oil filter and oil cooler, and performing regular engine tune-ups.

How to test if your engine oil is going bad?

If you observe any of the above symptoms in your engine oil pump, it is best to conduct a test to confirm the oil pump is functioning properly.

An easy and quick method to do this is to examine the oil dipstick and add oil if it is low. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you can proceed with the following steps:

Inspect the Oil Pressure Level Sensor on the engine

Your vehicle should have a sensor that measures the pressure and sends the information to the vehicle’s computer.

Check the wires for any breaks or cracks and verify that the connections are free from contaminants. You can replace the sensor every 100,000 miles as a preventative measure, as these sensors can also malfunction.

Utilize an Oil Pressure Gauge to test the pressure

Remove the oil pressure or temperature-sending unit, which is screwed into the engine block.

Use an oil pressure test kit to measure the pressure. You can refer to the owner’s manual for the correct RPMs and pressure specifications for your specific make and model.

How to maintain the oil pump in good condition?

It is recommended to change the oil and oil filter in a car according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. which may vary from once a year or 10,000 miles to more frequent changes, depending on the model.

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the proper functioning of engine oil pumps. Here are the steps you can take to ensure the proper functioning of your oil pump:

• Check the oil level: It is important to regularly check the oil level in your engine and make sure it is at the proper level, as specified by the manufacturer. Low oil levels can cause the oil pump to work harder and can lead to engine damage.

• Check the oil quality: Regularly inspect the oil for contamination, such as metal particles or debris, which can clog the oil pump and reduce its performance.

• Replace the oil filter: Replacing the oil filter regularly can help to ensure the proper flow of oil to the engine and prevent the oil pump from clogging.

• Check the oil cooler: The oil cooler helps to dissipate heat from the oil, so be sure to check it regularly and replace it as needed.

In addition to these steps, it is s important to have the oil pump replaced as part of a regular engine tune-up. During an engine tune-up, a mechanic will inspect the oil pump and replace it if necessary, to ensure that it’s working properly and providing adequate oil flow and pressure to the engine.

Summary

This article provides a thorough exploration of the engine oil pump, a vital component ensuring the lubrication of moving parts in an engine. It delves into the pump’s functionality, types, and the paramount role it plays in maintaining engine health and longevity. The piece also discusses common issues that can afflict oil pumps, such as wear and tear, debris accumulation, and lack of lubrication, and provides insightful tips on identifying a failing pump and maintaining it effectively.

For a detailed understanding and additional tips on car maintenance, visit CarFinite.