Experience in Repairing and Restoring Car Oil Pumps

car oil pump
Latest update date: February 07, 01

Lubricant pump is considered the "heart" of the car engine - a small part but plays a decisive role in the life and performance of the entire system.

According to statistics from the Vietnam Automobile Engineering Association (VAMA), 60-80% of engine failures are directly related to the lubrication system, of which oil pump failure accounts for the highest rate at 35-40% of cases. The cost of repairing and replacing an engine due to a damaged oil pump can be up to 50-100 million VND, or even higher depending on the level of damage and vehicle model.

With a key role in maintaining the pressure and flow of oil to lubricate moving parts, the oil pump needs to be maintained and checked periodically. However, many car owners still do not really care about this part until there are abnormal signs such as the oil pressure warning light coming on, strange noises from the engine or oil leakage. At this point, repairing and restoring the oil pump becomes much more complicated and expensive.

This article will provide in-depth knowledge about the causes of damage. car oil pump, standard inspection and repair procedures as well as repair experiences and prevention methods. Don't miss it!

car oil pump
Car oil pump: effective repair/recovery experience

The role of oil pump in engine lubrication system

The oil pump plays a key role in the engine lubrication system by creating pressure (30-70 psi) to deliver oil to moving parts, helping to reduce friction, dissipate heat, clean and protect the engine from wear. If the oil pump fails, the engine can be seriously damaged within minutes of operation due to lack of lubrication.

1. How does the lubrication system work?

The engine lubrication system consists of the following main components: oil pump, oil filter, oil lines, oil injector pans and lubricated parts. The oil pump draws oil from the engine pan and pumps it up at a certain pressure, usually ranging from 30-70 psi (pounds per square inch – pressure unit).

For good oil circulation, oil pressure needs to be maintained at a stable range of:

  • 10-20 psi when engine is idling
  • 40-70 psi when engine accelerates 3000-4000 rpm

After being pumped up at high pressure, the oil will pass through the filter to remove impurities larger than 20 micrometers and flow through the oil pipes to the parts that need lubrication such as crankshaft, piston, piston rings, valves, camshaft, etc.

2. Effect of oil pump

The oil pump has the function of creating oil pressure to bring oil to the moving parts of the engine. The oil will now perform important functions:

  • Reduced friction: Lubricating oil forms a lubricating film between moving parts, reducing friction by up to 50% compared to dry contact.
  • Wear reduction: Oil molecules fill the gaps between parts, preventing them from coming into direct contact and causing wear. This increases engine life by 30-50%.
  • Heat dissipation: According to statistics, about 40% of the heat generated when the engine is running is absorbed by the oil and dissipated through the oil cooler. This helps the engine operate at the ideal temperature.
  • Cleaning: Engine oil cleans dirt and soot from the engine and carries them back to the crankcase. This keeps the parts clean and the engine running smoothly.

If the oil pump cannot create a large enough and stable oil pressure, the above effects cannot be performed well, leading to engine damage.

3. Consequences of oil pump failure

When the oil pump fails, the oil pressure will drop sharply or be lost completely. Then:

  • Moving parts will be directly rubbed, generating a lot of heat leading to jamming, melting, and deformation. Temperature can reach 200-300 degrees Celsius.
  • If it continues to operate, the piston and cylinder will get stuck, causing the crankshaft and connecting rod to break, and the engine will be completely damaged in just 3-5 minutes.
  • The cost of repairing an engine when the oil pump is broken ranges from 30-50 million VND, and the engine may even have to be replaced.

Therefore, early detection of signs of oil pump damage and timely treatment is very important.

Signs of damaged car oil pump

A damaged oil pump will have some typical symptoms. You need to observe and listen carefully to the engine to detect:

1. Early warning signs

There are many signs that the oil pump is having problems such as: the oil pressure warning light is on, the engine temperature is high, and strange noises from the pump.

  • Oil pressure warning light comes on: This is the first sign you should pay attention to.
  • High engine temperature: If the temperature exceeds normal (over 100 degrees Celsius), it may be due to lack of oil.
  • Strange noises from the pump: This sound usually occurs when the gears in the pump are worn or broken.

2. Signs of serious damage

As the condition becomes more severe, the vehicle will experience problems such as low oil pressure and difficulty accelerating.

  • Low oil pressure: This can lead to strong friction between parts, causing serious damage to the engine.
  • Difficulty accelerating: If you need to press the gas harder than usual to reach your desired speed, this could be a sign of low pump pressure.

When one of the above signs appears, you need to take your car to the garage for timely inspection and treatment. If left for a long time, the oil pump can completely fail and cause serious consequences for the engine.

Causes of damage to car oil pumps

There are many subjective and objective reasons that lead to oil pump damage, including:

Causes of car oil pump failure
Causes of car oil pump failure

1. Subjective reasons

4 subjective reasons that cause car oil pumps to fail include: not changing oil and oil filters periodically, using oil that is not suitable for the engine, operating the vehicle frequently in overload mode, not periodically maintaining and checking the lubrication system.

  • Not changing the oil and oil filter at the regular intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Normally the oil change interval is 5000-7500 km or 6 months depending on operating conditions.
  • Using engine oil that is not suitable for the engine, poor quality, mixed with impurities. Poor quality oil reduces lubrication ability, easily oxidizes and creates residue.
  • Regularly operating the vehicle at overload, leaving the engine running continuously at high temperatures. This causes the oil to age quickly and reduce its quality.
  • Failure to maintain and periodically check the lubrication system. Maintenance helps to detect early abnormalities of the oil pump and promptly correct them.

2. Objective reasons

There are two objective reasons why car oil pumps fail specifically: harsh operating conditions and oil leaks.

  • Severe operating conditions: High ambient temperatures or excessive vehicle loads can cause the pump to overwork.
  • Oil Leak: Leaks can occur due to damaged gaskets or loose bolts.

To avoid the above causes of oil pump damage, you need to follow the correct maintenance procedures, use quality oil and operate the vehicle properly.

Car oil pump inspection process

To accurately determine the condition of the oil pump, you need to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the lubrication system, including:

1. Visual inspection

A visual inspection is the first step in determining the condition of your pump. You should look for:

  • Signs of cracking in the pump body.
  • Check the joints for signs of leakage.

2. Check oil pressure

Use a pressure gauge to check that the oil pressure is at the required level. The ideal pressure is usually between 20 and 80 PSI depending on the vehicle.

3. Check the safety valve

The safety valve helps regulate the pressure in the system. Check that this valve is working properly to ensure that the pressure is maintained at a safe level.

4. Check for oil leaks

Oil leaks are also a warning sign that there is a problem with the system. Check the connections and hoses carefully for any signs of leaks.

Steps to repair and restore car oil pump

Depending on the level of damage to the oil pump, the repair process will vary, but generally includes the following 4 steps:

Steps to repair/restore car oil pump
Steps to repair/restore car oil pump
  • Step 1: Remove the oil pump

Disassembly must be done carefully to avoid damaging internal components. You will need to remove the hose and valve before proceeding with disassembling the pump body.

  • Step 2: Clean the details

After disassembling, clean all parts with a specialized cleaning solution to remove dirt and impurities. Regular cleaning can extend the life of the device by up to 50%.

  • Step 3: Replace damaged parts (gears, springs, seals…)

If any parts are found to be worn or broken, replace them with genuine spare parts to ensure quality. Using poor quality spare parts can lead to a quick recurrence.

  • Step 4: Assemble and retest

Finally, reassemble all parts in the correct order and test the pump for operation before reinstalling it in the vehicle.

Experience in repairing and restoring oil pumps effectively

Below are 3 experiences drawn when repairing and restoring specific car oil pumps: choose a reputable garage, use genuine spare parts, pay attention to the warranty policy.

1. Choose a reputable, experienced garage

Choosing a reputable garage will help you feel more secure about the quality of the repair as well as the warranty after the repair. Look for garages that have been in operation for many years with positive reviews from customers.

2. Use genuine spare parts

Using genuine spare parts will ensure compatibility and quality for the vehicle's lubrication system. According to a survey, about 70% of users feel more satisfied when using genuine spare parts than counterfeit or fake goods.

3. Pay attention to the warranty policy

Make sure that the garage offers a reasonable warranty for the repairs they perform. The warranty should be at least 6 months to 1 year depending on the type of repair.

How to prevent damage to oil pump

Prevention is better than cure, you should pay attention to the following 4 things to avoid oil pump failure: use suitable oil, change oil regularly, do not overload the vehicle, check and maintain the vehicle regularly.

1. Use the right oil

Choosing the right oil for your vehicle’s specifications will help protect your engine better. For example, if your vehicle requires SAE 5W-30 oil, never substitute it with a type that does not meet this standard.

2. Change oil regularly

Regularly scheduled oil changes will help maintain optimal engine performance. The ideal oil change interval is typically between 5.000 and 7.500 km, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions.

3. Do not operate overloaded vehicles.

Avoiding overloading will reduce stress on the lubrication system and extend the life of the pump. According to the manufacturer's recommendations, the maximum load should be strictly observed to ensure safety and operating efficiency.

4. Regular inspection and maintenance

Performing regular inspections will help detect potential problems before they become serious. A routine inspection every 10.000 km is a good option to maintain the operating condition of your vehicle.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of oil pumps are there?

Oil pumps are generally divided into two main types: mechanical oil pumps and electronic pumps. Mechanical pumps use mechanical force from the engine to operate, while electronic pumps use electrical power to control the operation.

2. How to check the oil pump at home?

You can do a basic check by:

  • Check the engine oil level: Make sure the engine oil is within the allowable range on the dipstick.
  • Check the oil pressure light: Start the engine, this light will come on and then go off after a few seconds. If the light stays on or flashes while driving, there may be a problem with the oil pump. Read the article now: The reason why the oil warning light is still on after changing Helps you find the fastest and safest solution.
  • Listen for strange noises: When the engine is running, listen carefully for strange noises coming from the oil pump area.

3. What is the average life of an oil pump?

The life of the oil pump depends on many factors such as pump type, oil quality, operating conditions, etc. On average, the oil pump can operate well for about 80.000 - 100.000 km. However, you should check it periodically and replace it when necessary to ensure engine performance.

4. When should the oil pump be replaced?

The oil pump should be replaced when:

  • Oil pump is badly damaged and cannot be repaired.
  • The car has traveled a lot, the oil pump shows signs of deterioration.
  • Oil pressure is always low despite repairs.
  • Loud noise from oil pump.

5. How much does it cost to repair an oil pump?

The cost of repairing an oil pump depends on the extent of the damage and the type of vehicle. Typically, the cost will range from a few hundred thousand to several million VND.

6. Where is a reputable place to repair and replace car oil pumps in Ho Chi Minh City?

Oil change service in Thanh Phong Auto is one of the top choices for car owners in Ho Chi Minh City. With many years of experience in the field of auto repair and maintenance, Thanh Phong Auto is committed to providing professional services, ensuring quality and efficiency for all car models.

At Thanh Phong Auto, the oil pump replacement process is carried out according to strict steps:

  • Check the oil pump condition: The technician will conduct a visual inspection and use specialized equipment to determine the operating condition of the pump.
  • Disassembly and cleaning: The oil pump will be carefully disassembled for cleaning, removing dirt and impurities that may cause blockage.
  • Replacement of damaged parts: If parts such as gears or gaskets are found to be damaged, they will be replaced with genuine spare parts to ensure optimal performance.
  • Reassembly and testing: Once the replacement is complete, all parts will be reassembled and thoroughly tested before being installed on the vehicle.

Thanh Phong Auto not only provides oil pump replacement services but also advises customers on appropriate oil change cycles, helping to maintain engine life by up to 30-50%. The team of technicians here are all experienced, dedicated to their profession and ready to support customers at all times.

With investment in modern equipment and professional working process, Thanh Phong Auto is confident to bring customers the best service experience. Come to us to protect the "heart" of your car!

5/5 - (2 votes)

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5 Commentary

  • May 2011 ask cruze car how many missing, ghost check nhot exam here du. To be sure no galati is the lack of viscous fuel, the black socks are lacking. Rather, the work of keeping the new pressure was still bi, for another way of asking

    Reply
    • Miss Hue 24/06/2020

      Hi, you, check the oil pump to see if the pressure is enough.

      Friendly welcome!

      Reply
    • Phu Dung 05/09/2022

      My 2012 car has the same condition as yours, so can you tell me if your car has been repaired, if it can be fixed, then I know what's wrong with it. thank you

      Reply
  • Duong Hong Ha 12/12/2020

    Mazda 323 car 97 life, the morning car starts the engine to knock the cup, the engine lasts about 5 minutes to stop the sound, the cause must be the oil pump?

    Reply
  • Phu Dung 05/09/2022

    My car Cruze 2012 also has the same condition as yours, so can you tell me if your car has been repaired, if it can be fixed, then I know what's wrong with it. thank you

    Reply


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