No engine oil pressure: causes of pressure drop and ways to increase it
It is well known, that the internal combustion engine is a power unit, which has a large number of loaded parts and assemblies. For normal operation of the internal combustion engine, such parts require constant lubrication, which is provided by the engine oil system. The working fluid in the system is engine oil.
We also recommend reading the article about it, which oil is better to choose, 5W30 or 5W40. In this article you will learn about the main similarities and differences of motor oils with the specified viscosity, as well as the criteria for choosing a particular option, taking into account various factors.
In the lubrication system, the oil is fed through separate channels under a certain pressure, which allows you to effectively lubricate the parts, undergoing dynamic and other loads. At the same time in the course of operation of the motor it is possible to face that, missing engine oil pressure. The driver may notice, flashing oil pressure lamp on a warm engine, oil pressure at idle speed drops, etc.. P.
In this article, we intend to talk about it, what oil pressure should be in the engine, why there is no oil pressure in the engine, and how to check the oil pressure in the engine on a gasoline or diesel engine in available ways. The issue will be considered in parallel, what gives the additive to the engine to increase oil pressure and how effective this solution can be considered.
Low engine oil pressure: causes of failure
As already mentioned, the reduction of the oil pressure is indicated by the ignition of the hazard warning light on the instrument panel. Note, that the specified oil bulb does not have to be lit constantly. There are cases, when the oil pressure light comes on when the engine is warming up, at the same time on the cold unit there is no such problem.
A similar situation occurs with idling. At idle, the oil light is on or blinking, however, after increasing the speed to any value quickly goes out. In such cases, it is necessary to stop the operation of the car and find out, why there is no oil pressure in the engine, causes of failure, as well as decide on ways to eliminate them.
- First of all, it is necessary to inspect the engine from above and below for obvious oil stains, check the oil level in the engine. Insufficient amount of lubricant will lead to this, that the pressure will drop and there will be an oil starvation.
It is important to consider, what if there are no leaks, but before turning on the light bulb, the engine spun for a long time at high speeds and felt high loads, then it is possible to increase the consumption of oil for soot and reduce the level of oil for natural reasons.
- The next step is to check the condition of the oil. Do not use too "liquid" or viscous material, which is not intended for this type of engine by the engine manufacturer. It is the first case that often leads to this, that low-viscosity oil is not able to create the desired pressure.
Let's add, that for this reason the oil pressure on the warmed-up engine often falls (the gaps between the parts increase with heating, due to the rising temperature, the oil is greatly diluted). While the engine and oil are cold, the viscosity of the oil is sufficient, that is, the light bulb does not glow.
- Another reason for the accidental decrease in oil viscosity is that, that the working fluid from the cooling system enters the lubrication system (antifreeze, antifreeze). As a result, the coolant enters the crankcase and the oil is diluted with coolant. During the operation of the oil pump, the oil foams, the pump captures the foam, reduced productivity.
In other words, the lubrication system is unable to create the required pressure, namely, the oil itself loses its properties. The cause of the coolant may be a crack in the BC or cylinder head, destruction of a lining of the block of cylinders, etc.. d.
The problem can be identified by the thick white emissions, as well as in the presence of the emulsion on the lid of the oil filler neck or on the probe. Also an indirect sign is a decrease in the level of coolant in the expansion tank of the cooling system, the oil level in the lubrication system will be increased.
- It should also be noted, that the properties of the oil can be strongly affected and the fuel enters the crankcase. If the engine is faulty, (example, there are problems with the quality and ignition of the fuel mixture in the low compression cylinders, pour nozzles, etc.), then the fuel is fed into the combustion chamber, but the charge does not burn.
In this case, gasoline or diesel fuel enters the crankcase due to leaks in the piston rings, dilutes engine oil. Under such conditions, the viscosity of the oil will gradually decrease, at some point there will be problems with pressure. The problem can be identified by engine operation and oil condition.
If combustion does not occur in the cylinders, then the motor strongly triples, works intermittently, dim, overconsumes fuel. Elevated oil levels and a distinct smell of fuel in it, as well as light spots and strong vacuum will indicate the presence of fuel in the lubricant.
- The oil filter deserves special attention, which may be forgery or marriage. If there is no shut-off valve or shut-off washer in the filter, then after stopping the engine the oil from the channels and the filter will flow into the crankcase.
Further launch leads to that, that the pressure in the system is insufficient for a few seconds, as during this time the filter is filled with oil. Naturally, until the pressure rises, the oil light will be on, then go out. However, the problem will recur after each stop and subsequent start.
Severe contamination of the oil filter can lead to a similar effect, as well as its untimely replacement. A shut-off or pressure reducing valve in the system can jam from trapped debris, sediments, etc.. P.
- Even the oil pressure in the diesel engine or gasoline unit may be low as a result, that oil is leaking from under the oil pressure sensor. In this case, the pressure in the sensor area will not be enough. The hazard warning light may come on periodically or continuously, idling, in motion at low or high speeds.
Also, the possibility of problems with the lubrication system itself and individual components should not be ruled out. Oil pressure problems often lead to a drop in pressure. Although manufacturers are stockpiling productivity, sooner or later the gaps between the gears of the pump and its housing increase by as much, that the device does not create the necessary pressure.
In the course of long operation or for other reasons there is a strong pollution of the oil receiver. His mesh is often clogged, as a result, the oil is not supplied to the engine.
- Malfunctions of engine components and parts are also the cause of low pressure. In this case, we can talk about serious wear or damage, which lead to, that the required resistance when applying the oil does not meet. It turns out, the pressure drops naturally.
A worn crankshaft and its liners can cause such a pressure drop, wear and production in the camshaft, CPG, piston rings, etc.. d. Quite often low oil pressure in such cases indicates the need for serious or even major repairs of the engine..
The oil pressure light came on: emergency situation
so, if the oil pressure light is on or flashing, this means, that the pressure in the lubrication system has dropped, the engine must be shut down as soon as possible.
- Even if there are no obvious stains visually (example, valve cover dry, there are no traces of oil on the cylinder block), while the oil level is low, then the location of the oil filter and oil pressure sensor should be carefully inspected.
Also, special attention should be paid to the front and rear crankshaft seals, engine tray connection points. Many cars require a detailed inspection from below, what to do without a pit or extraction is difficult.
For this reason, when inspecting the underhood space from above, pay attention to the lower part of the checkpoint. Leaking crankshaft rear oil seal causes oil to enter this area.
- In that case, if a leak is detected, you need to add the appropriate oil (at intensive leak overflow slightly above level is allowed). Then the engine can be started. If the light goes out, then you can get to the service station on your own, without loading the motor.
We also recommend reading the article about it, whether it is possible to mix motor oils. In this article you will learn about it, whether they have lubricants of different brands (with different viscosities, base and additive packages) compatibility with each other, as well as what oil can be added in case of failure.
- If the oil level is low and there is no pressure, no leaks were detected, then you need to add oil. After that, the engine is started to assess the color of the exhaust. Blue or bluish oily smoke from the exhaust pipe will indicate this, that there could be occurrence of piston rings, worn rings, there were problems with the mirror of the cylinder (zadiri).
In other words, greatly increased oil consumption (the engine eats oil). An increase in crankcase pressure leads to increased consumption, problems with oil caps. If after topping up the light bulb does not light and does not blink, then you can get to the service station on your own, then in-depth diagnosis is performed.
pay attention, if, when topping up the oil level did not solve the problem (the lamp on the panel is still lit.), then you can not move on your own in the car. It is also not recommended to tow the vehicle with a rope. It is best to call a tow truck to deliver the car for repair.
What you can do yourself
The problem of low oil pressure is greatly complicated by the relationship between oil consumption and lowering the level with the overall pressure in the system. At the same time a number of malfunctions can be eliminated independently.
- In case of leaks, the problem is quite easy to locate and solve. Example, leakage of oil from under the oil filter is eliminated by its lifting or replacement. The problem with the oil pressure sensor is solved in a similar way, through which the oil flows. The sensor is tightened or simply changed to a new one.
As for the leaks of the seals, in this case it will take time, tools and skills. At the same time it is possible to replace a forward or back epiploon of a cranked shaft with own hands in garage with a manhole.
Oil leaks from under the valve cover or in the pan area can be eliminated by tightening the fasteners, replacement of rubber sealing gaskets, using special sealants for the engine. Violations of the geometry of the connecting planes or damage to the valve cover / pallet will indicate the need to replace such parts.
- If coolant gets into engine oil, then you can remove the cylinder head yourself and replace the gasket of the head of the unit, while adhering to all recommendations for removal and subsequent tightening of the cylinder head. Additional inspection of the planes will indicate that, whether it is necessary to grind the head of the block. If cracks in the cylinder block or head are detected, repairs are also possible.
As for the oil pump, this element in case of wear is better to replace at once with new. It is also not recommended to clean the oil pan, that is, the detail changes completely.
- In that case, when the problem with the lubrication system is not so obvious, at the same time it is necessary to repair the car independently, then at the very beginning it is necessary to carry out measurement of pressure of oil in the engine.
To solve the problem, as well as given an accurate idea of it, what measures the oil pressure in the engine and how it is done, additional equipment must be prepared in advance. Note, there is a ready-made device for measuring the oil pressure in the engine.
As an option, universal oil pressure gauge "Measures". Such a device is quite affordable, which has everything you need. You can also make a similar one with your own hands. This requires a suitable oil-resistant hose, pressure gauge and adapters.
For measurement the ready or self-made device is connected instead of the sensor of pressure of oil, then the pressure readings on the manometer are evaluated. pay attention, ordinary hoses cannot be used in self-manufacturing. The point is, that the oil corrodes the rubber quickly, after which the exfoliated parts can get into the oil system.
Let's summarize
Given the above, it becomes clear, that the pressure in the lubrication system can drop for many reasons:
- oil quality or loss of its properties;
- oil seal leaks, gaskets, seals;
- oil "presses" from the engine (the pressure increases due to malfunctions of the crankcase ventilation system);
- malfunctions of the oil pump, other breakdowns;
- the power unit can be very worn, etc.. d.
Note, that in some cases drivers resort to the use of additives to increase oil pressure in the engine. Example, XADO ревіталізант. According to the manufacturers, this anti-smoke additive from revitalizant reduces oil consumption, allows the oil to maintain the required viscosity when heated to high temperatures, restores damaged necks and crankshaft liners, etc.. d.
As practice shows, additives cannot be considered an effective solution to the problem of low pressure, but as a temporary measure for old worn-out engines, this method may be appropriate. I would also like to draw attention to that, that the blinking of the oil pressure light does not always indicate a problem with the internal combustion engine and its systems.
Rarely, but it happens, emerging problems with electricity. For this reason, the possibility of damage to electrical components should not be ruled out, contacts, pressure sensor or wiring itself.
Finally, let's add, that to avoid many problems with the oil system and the engine helps to use only the recommended oil. It is also necessary to select the oil taking into account the individual characteristics of operation. No less important is the correct selection of the viscosity index for the season (summer or winter oil)
Engine oil and filters must be changed correctly and done strictly according to regulations, as increasing the service interval leads to severe contamination of the lubrication system. Decomposition products and other deposits in this case are actively deposited on the surfaces of parts and walls of the channels, clog filters, oil pan grid. The oil pump in such conditions cannot provide the necessary pressure, oil starvation occurs and engine wear increases significantly.
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