Lubrication System: Components, Functions, and How It Works
The lubrication system is a system used to coat every moving component of the engine with lubricant (oil). The purpose of lubrication is to minimize the friction that occurs between engine components. As a result, engine components do not wear out quickly, and it reduces the noise that can be caused by friction between components. To help you understand it better, you should pay attention to the review below.
Components in the Lubrication System and Their Functions
Like the other systems in cars, the lubrication system also has its own components. Here are the complete components.
1. Oil Pan
This component serves as a reservoir for oil or lubricant. Later, the engine components will be coated with lubricant or oil from the oil reserve stored in the oil pan.
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2. Oil Pump
This component serves as a suction or distributor of oil to the engine components. This component also collaborates with other engine components such as the timing belt or crankshaft, and camshaft to supply oil according to the engine's needs.
3. Oil Filter
The oil filter component serves as a dirt filter so that the oil does not get dirty easily when lubricating the engine components. This can make the engine components more durable and not wear out quickly.
4. Strainer
This component collaborates with the oil filter to optimize the function of the oil filter. This way, the oil filter can filter out dirt even if the dirt is one millimeter in size.
5. Pressure Valve
This component serves as a regulator of lubricant pressure to keep it stable. This component will assist the oil channel's performance in supplying oil to all engine components.
6. Oil Switch
This component serves as an indicator of the performance and pressure of the oil pump so that you can know whether the oil supply is sufficient or not.
7. Oil Gallery
This component serves as the entry path for the lubricant to the engine block so that the engine components can be lubricated properly.
8. Oil Jet
This component serves as a sprayer of lubricant on the engine piston. You can find this component under the engine cylinder.
9. PCV Valve
The PCV valve component is part of the engine channel that functions to expel leftover combustion gases from the engine.
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How the Car Lubrication System Works
The car lubrication system will operate when the car engine is running. When the engine is not started, the lubricant or oil remains stored in the oil pan. When the engine is started, the oil pump will be rotated by the rotary pump shaft to work according to command.
This causes the inlet hose of the oil pump to suck in oil. Then the oil will be channeled through the inlet valve. This condition will cause pressure on the lubricant in the oil pump, which is then channeled through the oil filter.
In the oil filter, the lubricant or oil will undergo a strict filtering process assisted by the pressure valve component. The purpose of this filtering is to maintain the cleanliness of the oil that is channeled to all engine components.
The oil that has gone through the filtering process will be channeled to the oil jet through the oil feed. Subsequently, the oil will automatically lubricate the camshaft or what is more commonly known as the rocker arm. After lubricating that part, the oil will automatically return to the oil pan.
On the other side, the oil will be sprayed by the oil jet component to come out and lubricate the piston and rod components of the engine. The weight balance component in the engine will also assist the lubrication process on the crankshaft. On the crankshaft, there is a shovel-shaped component that functions to distribute oil to all engine components perfectly.
To ensure that your car's lubrication system always functions well, perform regular checks and maintenance on your car. Immediately take your car to the nearest Daihatsu dealer when your car's lubrication system experiences problems.