What to do if the oil pressure in the engine is lost? Oil pressure alarm.

Sometimes a driver may notice that a red icon lights up on the dashboard, indicating that there is no oil pressure in the VAZ 2114 engine. There may be several reasons for such a malfunction, and today we will talk about how to quickly find and fix them.

Why did the oil pressure disappear?

The constant burning of the red icon with an oiler, indicating the absence of the required oil pressure, can be caused by several reasons.

The most likely of them are:

• severe drop in oil level. It can be caused by a leak or simply by the inattention of a motorist who did not notice the level dropping to a critical one. This reason is the safest for the car, you just need to top up the oil level and continue driving (at the same time, you should make sure that the signal icon goes out);
• wear of liners (connecting rod and main). The wear of these parts does not occur instantly, but lasts for a long time, as a result of which the signal light will first light up only while driving, and then it will also light up at idle. To solve this problem, you will have to replace the liners with new ones, and in the worst case, bore the crankshaft and select the liners;
• oil filled out of season. If the oil pressure in the VAZ 2114 engine is lost in the cold, then this very reason may be the most likely. Summer oil in the cold season becomes very thick, as a result of which the oil pump simply stops pumping it. To eliminate this problem, you will have to drain all the oil and replace it with winter oil;
• oil pump wear. During the operation of the machine, the pump, like other units, experiences certain loads, and over time it may fail. The problem can be solved only by replacing the oil pump with a similar one;
• clogged oil filter. A similar situation is also not uncommon, but is solved quite quickly by simply replacing the filter;
• short circuit between the warning light and the oil level sensor. In this case, you can check the circuit using a conventional tester and, if a malfunction is detected (for example, a short circuit in the wires), eliminate it;
• oil level sensor malfunction. It is quite difficult to check the performance of the sensor under normal conditions, so you should replace it with a similar one. If after that the light goes out, then the problem lies precisely in the sensor itself.

Why Troubleshooting Should Be Done ASAP

If during the movement the oil pressure in the VAZ 2114 engine suddenly disappeared and the light came on, then you can not continue the trip. You should stop and try in the field to find out the possible cause of the breakdown.

Continued driving with a faulty oil system can lead to a number of negative consequences for the car, including:

1. The operation of the moving parts of the engine is dry, which, ultimately, will lead to their severe wear and overheating. The longer the engine runs without oil, the more damage will be to it and adjacent components (in the end, all this can lead to jamming of the crankshaft and engine failure).
2. Camshaft wear.
3. Clogging of the pressure reducing valve with metal particles generated during dry operation and damage to the oil pump. In addition, such particles can also clog the lubrication channels in the engine, which can only be cleaned during a major overhaul.

Thus, it is impossible to continue the trip without finding out the reasons for the oil drop. If during the inspection it turns out that the malfunction is small (for example, the oil level has dropped), then it can be eliminated and the movement can continue. If you can't find the damage, you should call a tow truck.

What to do if the oil drop light comes on

The first thing to do in this case is to stop and turn off the engine. After that, you should visually inspect all important components and assemblies in order to find the cause of the malfunction.

In doing so, you must do the following:

• measure the oil level with a dipstick and, if necessary, add it;
• inspect the most likely places for oil leakage - the sump, top cover, oil filter, as well as the engine itself near the gearbox and near the drive pulleys of auxiliary mechanisms;
• check the condition of the electrical circuit of the oil sensor (if there is a tester, then make a “diagnosis”).

If no serious damage is found during the check, and the oil is filled above the minimum mark, then the movement can be continued.

It should be remembered that the oil should be filled with the same class as the one already filled into the system. It is strictly not necessary to mix oils intended for use in different seasons.

It is also worth noting that when you arrive home or at the end point of the route, you should try to find out the cause of the pressure drop as soon as possible (for example, visit a car service station if it is not possible to carry out a complete diagnosis yourself). At the same time, while driving, it is worth making frequent stops, during which you should inspect the engine for leaks and check the oil level (and, if necessary, replenish it).

Every vehicle needs regular maintenance. This measure makes it possible to timely identify potential weaknesses in working installations and carry out their repair work. If you do not monitor the condition of the car and continue to operate it daily, then problems will not keep you waiting. So, starting a vehicle one morning, the driver may find that the oil pressure in his engine has disappeared. What should be done in this case and why did such a situation arise at all? Let's deal with everything in order.

• How to diagnose a problem?

  The main symptom of low oil in the engine compartment is the light on the dashboard of the car, which is typical for this case. Moreover, its behavior may vary depending on the state of the vehicle. For example, the sensor can only remind of itself when the engine has warmed up to the required temperature, while there may not be such symptoms on a cold power plant. A similar problem can also manifest itself at idle: if you do not press the gas pedal, the light will light up and flash, but if you increase the engine speed, the sensor will turn off. If such a situation occurs, it is necessary to turn off the car, determine what is the cause of the pressure drop, and fix the problem on your own or with the help of service center specialists.
  

  Causes of malfunctions and solutions

  Low oil pressure can form due to many design defects in the vehicle's engine and due to the characteristics of the oil fluid, so we will consider the main causes of this problem and find ways to solve it.

  Reason 1: Leakage of technical fluid

  Inspect the main components of the propulsion system: there may be an elementary oil leak. When it is too small, the pumping unit cannot provide the proper level of circulation of the protective material inside the working area, because of this, the oil pressure inside the structure drops.

  elimination

  An increase in oil pressure will not occur until the problem part is repaired or replaced. Liquid can flow out of the system due to wear of oil scraper rings and caps, violation of the integrity of the walls of the cylinder block, drying of sealing gum and seals. You can also increase the oil pressure by simply adding liquid, but the effect will not be long lasting.

  In order for the oil to be consumed in the usual way, it is necessary to calculate which part contributes to the leak and replace it. By the way, if you regularly maintain the vehicle and monitor the condition of the sealing elements, the engine will be able to maintain oil pressure throughout the entire interchange period.

  If a visual inspection did not reveal the problem area, but the fluid continues to leave the engine installation, it's time to change the driving style.

  Aggressive starts and sudden braking temporarily create increased pressure inside the engine, which causes an abundant extrusion of the oil film. After most of it leaves the working area, the pressure inside the system will drop to a minimum, which will cause its power characteristics to deteriorate and the oil pressure sensor to light up. Try to smoothly press the accelerator pedal, do not operate the car at high speeds unnecessarily and warm it up for 5-7 minutes during a cold start.

  Reason 2: Unsuitable composition and properties of the product used

  Have you checked the marking of the technical fluid with the recommendations of the automaker before servicing the car? In the event of a discrepancy between these indicators, the car engine will cease to function in the usual mode: the pressure inside the working area disappears due to the increased fluidity of the protective lubricant, which, under the influence of high temperatures, begins to lose consumer properties and exit the structure through increasing installation gaps.
  

  elimination

  How to increase the pressure of the technical fluid in this case? Yes, it's very simple: just pour oil under the hood with the parameters required by the automaker. You can get acquainted with them at the official representatives of the brand of your vehicle or in the manual for its operation. It is not recommended to select oil based only on the opinions of “knowledgeable” friends or sales assistants in the store.

  Reason 3: Unaccounted for climatic conditions when choosing engine oil

  When choosing a liquid according to the parameters of the automaker, you should also pay attention to its temperature features. For example, if the weather conditions in your region provide for excessively hot summer days, then motor lubricant must be able to maintain resistance to severe overheating. The lack of such "skill" can also cause insufficient pressure within the system.

  elimination

  

  Average oil performance ranges

  If pressure disappears due to climatic changes, select engine fluid based on temperature characteristics. The SAE classification can help with this. It allows you to understand the limits of permissible operating temperatures of motor lubricants. For example, 0w30 fluids operate from -40 to +30 degrees Celsius, 10w40 - from -25 to +40, etc.

  Reason 4: Mixing oil with other automotive fluids

  Violation of the tightness of the power unit can provoke the ingress of liquid from the cooling system into it. Antifreeze, or antifreeze, mixed with the filled oil, neutralizes its properties and causes profuse foaming. Capturing foam instead of oil, the pump cannot create the required circulation of the working mixture inside the installation, as a result of which the engine performance is reduced. Thick white exhaust smoke, increased coolant consumption and the formation of a white emulsion on the engine dipstick and the inner surface of the oil filler cap will help to recognize such a problem in a timely manner.

  The presence of gasoline or diesel in the crankcase of a car indicates serious malfunctions.

  In addition to antifreeze, low oil pressure can be caused by mixing it with unburned fuel. Diagnosing oil thinning is quite simple: to do this, disconnect the crankcase ventilation pipe and carefully smell the exhaust. If the bad pressure is caused by mixing oil with fuel, then the smell will be dominated by a gasoline smell.

  elimination

  

  To eliminate oil-gasoline mixing, it is necessary to figure out exactly where fuel and lubricants leak out: through cracks in the diaphragm (typical for systems with a mechanical gasoline pump) or through the cylinders of combustion chambers. If the working diaphragm of the fuel pump has worn out in the engine, it is no longer worth operating the car. Replace the deformed part with a new one. Such a measure will raise the pressure inside the power plant and increase its power characteristics.

  Things are much more serious when the fuel mixture enters the working area through the cylinders. Firstly, the mixing of fuels and lubricants causes a decrease in the operational capabilities of the oil, and secondly, the protective layer is washed off the cylinder walls, which in turn leads to rapid wear and overheating of the piston group. This situation occurs when low-quality spark plugs are installed in the engine. At idle, they cope with the work without problems, but with an increase in speed, they cease to ignite the mixture in a timely manner. As a result, part of the unburned fuel in the chamber flows down and enters the working area.

  How to raise the pressure in this case? Of course, the first step is to replace the spark plugs, and then fill in new engine fluid.
  

  Reason 5: defective oil filter

  When installing a new oil filter in a car, carefully inspect its components. If it does not have a check valve or lock washer, this may allow the protective lubricant to drain into the crankcase after the vehicle is stopped. Further start of the machine will be accompanied by a long burning of the oil lamp. This happens because inside the filter, after stopping, the pressure required for the efficient circulation of the oil fluid disappears. After the motor is started, the pressure will increase until it reaches the desired value, then the sensor will turn off.

  elimination

  

  This situation will be repeated after each shutdown and start of the engine until a new oil filter with a shut-off valve is installed. When buying spare parts and consumables for your car, do not try to save money. Even a small defect in the oil filter can destroy the entire propulsion system and leave the driver without a vehicle.

  And finally

  If the engine oil indicator on the dashboard lights up every now and then, you should not ignore the problem. The causes of pressure drop listed above are most common in vehicles that are used daily, in conditions of high overloads. Having figured out why there is no engine oil pressure in the car engine, you can solve this problem yourself. You can also contact a specialized service center and entrust the work to professionals. The main thing - do not close your eyes to the problem!

The stability of the functioning of all vehicle systems depends on the serviceability of the engine. Lost oil pressure in the engine is the most common failure in its operation. If the oil pressure light comes on while the engine is running, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. Determining the cause of this problem will help eliminate the breakdown and restore low oil pressure in the engine.

Reasons for a sharp decrease in the pressure of motor lubricant

Many car owners are wondering why the oil pressure in a warm engine has dropped. Insufficient oil pressure can occur due to various reasons, both related and not related to the breakdown of the engine itself:

1. The need to change engine oil, because its useful properties have been lost and the viscosity of the lubricant has decreased.
2. Clogged oil filter.
3. Malfunctions of the oil pump, which does not cope well with pumping lubricant.
4. Reducing valve failure causing low pressure in the lubrication system.
5. An increase in clearances in working units that cause a drop in engine oil pressure.
6. Defects in the oil receiver tube.
7. Lubricant leaks through cracks in the engine sump.
8. Breakdowns in the electrical wiring of the car.
9. Sensor malfunction, at which the lamp starts to light up.

If the obligatory rule of regularly changing lubricants is not observed, the viscosity of the oil will decrease. The oil pump is not able to provide the required pressure when injecting poor quality lubricant into the system. A situation arises when the oil pressure drops on a warm engine. An oil change should be made after 8-15 thousand kilometers of the car.

When the engine elements are worn and the oil filter and pump screen are heavily clogged, the pressure in the lubrication system may also disappear.

The operation of the teeth in the gears of the oil pump, large gaps, valve failure can be the reason for the disassembly and subsequent overhaul of the power unit.

Violation of the tightness of the sump leads to the leakage of lubricants. As a result of leaks, the oil receiver tube is not able to capture the required amount of lubricant to be supplied to the system.

Cracks on the oil receiver tube, formed due to increased vibrations, prevent the normal intake of lubricating fluid, with such defects in the part, the lubrication pressure may drop.

The integrity of the wiring and the serviceability of the pressure sensor must be checked first.

To additionally check the pressure, the sensor is dismantled, and a pressure gauge is installed in its place. The lubricant pressure is measured at idle engine speed. Pressure gauge readings equal to 0.6–0.8 bar indicate the normal operation of the power unit. Data that goes beyond the agreed limits in any direction serve as the basis for the subsequent repair of the motor.

Possible consequences of ignoring the alarm signals of the control light

Experienced specialists do not recommend ignoring the problem that the pressure of the lubricant has begun to decrease. If there is no oil pressure in the engine, then this can be the beginning of "oil starvation" and the appearance of serious breakdowns of the power unit.

An insufficient amount of lubricant on the rubbing metal surfaces of the working elements of the engine causes them to heat up to ultra-high temperatures, which can increase the friction forces. The parts begin to press against each other with great force, which leads to the motor jamming.

What needs to be done to increase the oil pressure in the power unit

How to raise the oil pressure in the engine? In order to ensure an increase in the pressure of the lubricating fluid, the following measures must be taken:

• replacement of lubricant;
• removing the old oil filter and installing a new one;
• dismantle the pressure sensor, install a pressure gauge, start the power unit at idle, record the readings of the device.

When lubrication leaks, it is necessary to identify the places of formation of cracks in the engine crankcase. Defects are eliminated using special sealants or cold welding. The use of sealing materials is carried out after the lubricant has been completely drained, the surface to be sealed has been cleaned and dried.

Oily liquids tend to gradually evaporate during operation of the power unit. With this in mind, it is necessary to check the oil level and add it as the volume decreases.

If the above operations did not bring success, then you will have to raise the pressure indicators with the help of a major overhaul of the engine.

Fuel ingress into the lubrication system

Not all car owners are aware of the dilution of the lubricant with fuel. Gasoline in large quantities can enter the boat, diluting the lubricant. Diluted engine oil deteriorates its performance, its viscosity decreases, and pressure drops.

The presence of fuel in the lubricant is detected by the smell of exhaust gases in which gasoline is present.

The ingress of fuel into the lubrication system occurs as a result of the following reasons:

1. Violation of tightness in the diaphragm of the fuel pump due to the appearance of cracks.
2. The penetration of fuel into the crankcase through the combustion chambers.

In the first case, it is necessary to change the diaphragm in the fuel pump to a new one. After that, fill in fresh motor lubricating fluid, after getting rid of the diluted mixture.

The second case is the most dangerous. In addition to diluting the oil, the lubricant is washed off the cylinder walls, the piston group is forced to work in dry conditions. When using low-quality spark plugs, the fuel mixtures entering the cylinders do not burn out completely, the excess drains into the oil pan, gradually diluting the lubricant and causing the cylinders to wear out faster.

The elimination of this problem is possible by replacing old spark plugs with quality parts. At the same time, the lubricating fluid must also be changed, because the use of diluted oil is unacceptable.

The warning lights of the control light are the last stage, indicating a lack of lubrication pressure. Before this, the engine often stalls, and then works again. The driver should be attentive to such cases, because a drop in oil pressure leads to failure of the entire power unit.

The pressure of the lubricant in the power unit can be compared with blood pressure in the human body. Deviations from normal indicators indicate that the heart is suffering. Technical indicators of the car engine must be under constant control.

It is well known that an internal combustion engine is a power unit in which there are a large number of loaded parts and assemblies. For normal operation, such parts need constant lubrication, which provides. The working fluid in the system is engine oil.

In the lubrication system, oil is supplied through separate channels under a certain pressure, which makes it possible to effectively lubricate parts that experience dynamic and other loads. In this case, during the operation of the motor, you may encounter the fact that the oil pressure in the engine has disappeared. The driver may notice that the oil pressure lamp blinks when the engine is warm, the oil pressure drops when the engine is idling, etc.

In this article, we intend to talk about what oil pressure should be in the engine, why there is no oil pressure in the engine, and also how to check the oil pressure in the engine on a gasoline or diesel engine in accessible ways. In parallel, the question will be considered, what gives an additive to the engine to increase oil pressure and how effective such a solution can be considered.

Read in this article

Low oil pressure in the engine: causes of malfunction

As already mentioned, a decrease in oil pressure is indicated by the warning light on the instrument panel. Note that the indicated oil lamp does not have to be constantly on. There are cases when, when the engine is heated, the oil pressure light comes on, while there is no such problem on a cold unit.

A similar situation occurs with idling. On , however, after increasing the speed to a certain value, it quickly goes out. In such cases, it is necessary to stop operating the car and find out why there is no oil pressure in the engine, the causes of the malfunction, and also determine how to eliminate them.

• First of all, it is necessary to inspect the internal combustion engine from above and below for obvious oil leaks, check. Insufficient amount of lubricant will cause the pressure to drop and oil starvation will occur.

It is important to consider that if there are no leaks, but the engine was spinning at high speeds for a long time before the light came on and experienced high loads, then it is quite possible to increase oil consumption for waste and reduce the level of lubrication for natural reasons.

• The next step is to check the condition of the oil itself. It is not allowed to use too “liquid” or viscous material that is not intended for this type of engine by the ICE manufacturer. It is the first case that often leads to the fact that low-viscosity oil is not able to create the required pressure.

We add that for this reason, the oil pressure often drops on a warm engine (the gaps between the parts increase with heating, the lubricant becomes very liquefied from the rising temperature). At the same time, while the engine and oil are cold, the viscosity of the lubricant is sufficient, that is, the light does not light up.

You can identify the problem by, as well as by the presence. Also, an indirect sign is a decrease in the coolant level in the expansion tank of the cooling system, while the oil level in the lubrication system will be increased.

• It should also be noted that the properties of the oil can be greatly affected by the fuel entering the crankcase. If the engine is faulty (for example, there are problems with the quality and ignition of the fuel mixture, injectors are poured, etc.), then fuel is supplied to the combustion chamber, but the charge is not burned.

In this case, gasoline or diesel fuel enters the crankcase through leaks, diluting the engine oil. Under such conditions, the viscosity of the oil will gradually decrease, at some point pressure problems will arise. You can determine the problem by the operation of the engine and the condition of the lubricant.

If combustion does not occur in the cylinders, then the engine is strong, works intermittently, smokes, and overuses fuel. An elevated oil level and a distinct smell of fuel in it, as well as light spots and severe thinning, will indicate the presence of fuel in the lubricant.

• Deserves special attention, which may turn out to be a fake or a marriage. If the filter does not have a shut-off valve or lock washer, then after the engine stops, the grease from the channels and the filter will drain into the crankcase.

A further start leads to the fact that the pressure in the system is insufficient for several seconds, since during this time the filter is filled with oil. Naturally, until the pressure rises, the oil light will burn, then go out. However, the problem will recur after each stop and subsequent start.

Severe contamination of the oil filter, as well as its untimely replacement, can also lead to a similar effect. A shut-off or pressure reducing valve in the system may be wedged from trapped debris, deposits, etc.

• Also, the oil pressure in a diesel engine or gasoline unit may be low due to the fact that grease flows from under the oil pressure sensor. In this case, the pressure in the sensor area will not be enough. The warning light may come on intermittently or constantly, at idle, while driving at low or high speeds.

Also, one should not exclude the possibility of problems with the lubrication system itself and individual elements. Oil pump problems often lead to a drop in pressure. Although manufacturers provide a performance margin, sooner or later the gaps between the pump gears and its casing increase so much that the device does not create the required pressure.

In the process of long-term operation or for other reasons, severe contamination of the oil receiver occurs. Often its mesh is clogged, as a result of which lubricant is not supplied to the engine.

• Malfunctions of components and parts of the engine itself are also the cause of low pressure. In this case, we can talk about serious wear or damage, which leads to the fact that the oil does not meet the required resistance when supplying. It turns out that the pressure naturally falls.

This reduction in pressure can be caused by wear, wear and tear in the area, etc. Quite often, low lubrication pressure in such cases indicates the need for serious or even.

Oil pressure light on: emergency

So, if the oil pressure light is on or blinking, this means that the pressure in the lubrication system has dropped, the engine must be turned off as soon as possible.

• Even if no obvious smudges are visually visible (for example, the valve cover is dry, there are no traces of oil on the cylinder block), while the oil level is low, then you should carefully examine the installation site of the oil filter and oil pressure sensor.

Also, increased attention should be paid to the junction of the engine pan. Many cars will require a detailed inspection from below, which is difficult to do without a pit or a lift.

For this reason, when inspecting the engine compartment from above, pay attention to the lower part of the gearbox. A leaking crankshaft rear oil seal causes grease to enter this area.

• In the event that a leak is detected, a suitable oil must be added (in case of intense leakage, overflow is allowed slightly above the level). Then the engine can be started. If the light goes out, then you can drive to the service station on your own without loading the engine.

And do it strictly according to the regulations, since an increase in the service interval leads to severe contamination of the lubrication system. Decomposition products and other deposits in this case actively settle on the surfaces of parts and channel walls, clog filters, oil receiver mesh. The oil pump in such conditions may not provide the required pressure, oil starvation occurs and engine wear increases significantly.

Is the oil pressure light on? Has the pressure dropped or the sensor failed? What threatens oil starvation? How to determine the malfunction, while the engine has not yet failed? What other signs of low pressure, besides a light bulb, and what should I do to make the oil normal?

Causes

There are several reasons why pressure was lost:

1. no oil - the level is lower than the oil receiver and it does not enter the system
2. a crack in the oil receiver - air enters the system through a crack, while a more viscous oil does not reach
3. poor pump performance due to wear or other failures
4. losses in the lubrication system
5. oil dilution
6. non-working oil filter

Also, the light may be on if the oil pressure sensor is covered or the wire has jumped off it, but it's better to play it safe and check everything.

And now in order with all these faults

No oil - the level is lower than the oil receiver and no oil enters the system

When the oil level is lower than the oil receiver, the oil cannot be sucked into the system by the oil pump, because there will be only air at the inlet. As a rule, the oil receiver is located at the lowest point of the engine, in a small recess, so that it is always immersed in oil. But during operation, the oil can burn out and the level will drop, and then there will be nowhere to take the oil from.

Long oil change intervals lead to the fact that the oil loses its washing properties, and also stratifies - a liquid fraction is released and such a thick shoe polish, which settles on the surfaces of parts. The fraction, which is especially thick like dung, likes to cling to the oil receiver, thereby clogging its mesh, preventing the oil from passing through.

The way out of this situation is to monitor the oil level and replace it in a timely manner, draining all the muck from the system. Especially now there are a lot of fakes of oil, which thickens already by five thousand mileage. Do not drive on oil 15,000 - this is too much, especially if you operate the car in city mode. 7 - 10,000 - quite acceptable mileage for replacement.

Crack in oil pickup tube

The principle of operation is as follows: the oil pump is at the top, the oil is at the bottom. Between them is an oil receiver. The pump creates a vacuum in the receiver and oil is sucked into it from below. If a crack forms somewhere in the oil receiver tube, then air will enter the system instead of oil (try drinking a cocktail through a straw with a hole and everything will become clear).

The reason for this may be the vibration of the engine, as a result of which a crack forms, which subsequently increases, taking less and less oil from the sump. There may also be a manufacturing defect or improper installation of the part.

Faulty oil pump

When the oil pump wears out, it pumps oil with insufficient performance and low pressure, this is especially noticeable when starting the engine, when the oil has not yet really entered the pump housing, and another example is when the oil is too liquid due to loss of performance or fuel getting into it - too large the gaps in the oil pump do not make it possible to normally push the oil under normal pressure, because the oil flows out through these very worn slots (these are no longer gaps, just slots).

The oil pump drive can also have such a breakdown, but this is rare, it mostly happens on classic Zhiguli, since on most passenger cars the oil pump is located on the crankshaft and is pressed by a pulley, there the pulley will fly off together with the timing rather than the pump will stop turning. On the classic, the pump is driven by a gear, which often wears out.

Losses in the lubrication system

To distribute oil throughout the system, it is not enough just to have a working pump that pumps oil, it is also necessary that the oil is distributed throughout the system without loss. Where can losses occur? There are such places!

• through the crankshaft
• through oil nozzles that do not close (not used on all engines)
• gaskets and a poorly screwed oil filter also pass well
• balance shafts on some engines with a broken bushing

Oil will leak through any gap, reducing the pressure in the system. Most likely, not much will escape through the liners, because if there are gaps there, then there will be such noise that it will be scary to go.

Oil thinning

Liquid oil passes perfectly through the gaps, so the oil pump cannot create normal pressure on such oil, because the oil passes through the gaps like through a sieve. The oil reaches such an unusable condition due to the loss of performance properties, when the additives stop working, dung and a liquid fraction are formed, it can still be diluted with gasoline. Gasoline evaporates very quickly, so this is not the worst thing for oil.

Non-working oil filter

The filter consists of a filter element and a valve system. When during operation the filter element becomes clogged with dirt and abrasive, it cannot pass oil through itself. Then the bypass valve comes to the rescue, which is normally closed, and when the filter element becomes clogged, it opens and oil flows through it.

The filter element is an ordinary filter paper that traps small abrasive particles that form during operation. When the paper is clogged with these particles, it does not allow oil to pass through itself. To avoid oil starvation, there is a bypass valve in the oil filter - it opens, and all debris that is not stuck in the paper is washed away.

If the valve is stuck in the closed position, then that's it, there is nowhere to take the oil from, the filter is clogged, and there is no other way. This is where oil starvation begins. But if you change the oil on time, such a disaster will not happen.

How to determine?

Usually the oil pressure light comes on first. As long as it doesn't light up, you're probably fine.

If the bearings knock - and as a rule, the connecting rod bearings knock, since they are farther from the oil line - then a characteristic very loud engine knock appears, which is especially pronounced above 3000 rpm. This is the main sign of worn and starved connecting rod bearings.

What consequences?

If the liners rattle, only under measurement with grinding the crankshaft to the repair size, although sometimes you can do without grinding.

Cylinder head parts are most susceptible to oil starvation, especially if there are hydraulic lifters - they will have nowhere to take oil from and the engine will triple. Then the camshaft will suffer, because it is the farthest in the lubrication system and the required amount of oil is unlikely to reach it.

With a short-term oil starvation, when the oil supply is lost, the connecting rod bearings are the first to suffer - they need less than a minute to become a foil. Indigenous bearings may not be damaged in this case.

If the engines have oil nozzles that cool the pistons, then if they do not work properly, there may be overheating and scuffing of the piston skirts.

So keep an eye on the oil level and observe the change interval, the consequences can be very expensive.