Oil pump circulates engine oil under pressure and lubricates all components. Camshaft, bearings and sliding pistons are sturdy components of engine which require good flow of engine oil for lubrication. It decreases friction and enhances lifespan of the engine.
Three main types of oil pumps are used for lubrication arrangement. These include centrifugal, gear and vane type oil pumps. Most common type is centrifugal pump. An impeller draw oil to the pump, then oil is rotated at such high speed which through it via outlet.
Oil Pump: Why it Fails
We are going to discuss major causes of oil pump failure.
1. Low Engine Oil Level
Optimal performance of oil pump requires recommended engine oil levels. If oil level is low, pump has to deal with added friction due to inadequate lubrication. It will warp and tear the pump components. This leads to complete failure of oil pump over the time.
2. Improper Oil Viscosity
Always use manufacturer’s recommended oil grade. Low and high viscosity both have negative effects on oil pump.
- Low Viscosity generates less resistance to flow which results in lower pressure.
- High Viscosity has greater resistance during pumping. It leads to less lubrication in the system ultimately low pressure.
3. Dirty or Clogged Oil Filter
Oil filter gets clogged overtime due to mileage. Oil will not be cleaned due to dirty filter. When this dirty oil containing debris, dirt or contaminants will pass through the pump it may choke the pump. The lubrication will be reduced due to very low pressure. This leads to failure of oil pump and ultimately engine fails.
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4. Absense of Regular Maintenance
Maintenance service of oil pump is usually done with engine overhauling. If pump’s overhaul is neglected, it will give serious damage to whole engine. Internal vanes are checked if neccessary these are replaced. Bearing and bushes change is mandatory during pump overhaul.
5. Overheating: Oil Pump Seizure
Overheating can seize the pump and leads to failure. It requires costly repairs afterwards. Incorrect viscosity or not recommended grade of engine oil can cause overheat. Low engine oil and dirty oil are also majore players in overheating.
6. Faulty Damage Relief Valve
Basically it is a pressure relief valve for engine oil. It does not allow too high pressure. If this valve stuck open, oil will be granted bleed off.
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7. Engine’s Sludge
It forms on or around the motor. Dirty oil don’t allow proper lubrication. It can be indicated via check lights warning. We can carefully notice via removing engine oil cap. If clean oil inside cap and on the sidewalls of engine, it is free from sludge.
Engine sludge blocks oil passages. It can decrease fuel efficeincy. Incresaed noise of engine is major problem and indication.
How to Prevent from Oil Pump Failure?
- Maintain recommended level of engine oil. It will provide neccessary lubrication to all components.
- Use oil grade as mentionend in user manual. It maintains proper viscosity for decent working of oil pump.
- Change oil filter regularly. It is usually replaced with oil change. Never use old filter with new oil change.
- Whenevr you overhaul the engine, must overhaul oil pump. Never neglect it. It is the heart of engine.
- Build your habits to perform checks before leaving specially on long routes. Coolant, engine oil level and other mandatory checks are essential. It saves engine and oil pump from overheating.
- Change engine oil on or before mileage recommended by manufacturer. If you don’t care, engine sludge may damage whole system.
