LUBRICATION SYSTEM SERVICE
LUBRICATION SYSTEM SERVICE
HER LEVEL 1
WORKSHOP PRACTICE
LECTURER: P. MANDONA
©Nortec2015
ENGINE OIL
OIL DETERIORATION
Oil deteriorates with use and requires changing. Deterioration of oil occurs mainly
due to contamination and breakdown.
EXTERNAL CONTAMINATION
The hard particles may enter through dust induced into the air-intake-system
crankcase breather, and may come from metallic particles worn away from moving
parts and casting sand still remaining in the engine after manufacture. Small pieces
of dirt may also enter the engine while changing the oil filter, removing the rocker
cover when checking tappet clearances, or any other servicing which requires the
removal of engine components and exposes the inside of the engine, e.g. removal
of the cylinder head, timing gears and chain, distributor drive, etc. Oil may also be
contaminated with coolant.
COMBUSTION CONTAMINATION
The most common type of contamination, however, is from the blow-by gases,
which work their way past the piston and rings. If crankcase ventilation is poor and
the engine is cool, blow-by gases remain in the crankcase and mix with the oil. The
constitutes of blow-by gas primarily are partially burned fuel and water vapour.
Unburned fuel dilutes the oil. The highly acidic water formed due to combustion
causes rusting and corrosion. Both combine with polymerised and oxidised
hydrocarbons, produced during combustion, undergo further change in the oil and
form sludge, binders that hold organic solids, inorganic salts, wear particles, and
fuel soot together. When these particles accumulate sufficiently large, they drop out
of the oil and deposit in the engine as a cold-engine sludge.
In diesel engines, the sulphur in the fuel while burning with oxygen produces
sulphureous acids. Small amounts of these acids may drain down the cylinder walls,
mix with the oil, and attack the bearing materials.
INTERNAL CONTAMINATION
Contaminants may be formed within the engine itself. The oil oxidises over long
periods of time, due to high working temperature of the oil in the piston region.
Oxidation is the process of the oil combining with the oxygen in the air at elevated
temperatures. Higher the oil temperature, the more rapid is the rate of oxidation.
Oxidation causes thickening of the oil and formation of varnishes sometimes known
as lacquer deposits. These deposits may occur on the piston rings and in the
grooves, eventually causing the rings to stick so that compression pressure is lost.
This causes a loss of power and an increase in fuel consumption. Since some of the
products of oil oxidation are acidic it may corrode journal bearing materials.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
The amounts of sludge and deposits to a large extent depend on the mode of
vehicle operation. Long journey keeps the engine working over a narrow and
designed temperature range. This produces efficient combustion, due to which by-
products from burning and water formation are at a minimum. Short running
produces high levels of unburnt hydrocarbon products and moisture, and crankcase
condensation, which dilute the oil and destroy the lubricating properties of the oil.
Like engine oil, its additives also tend to deteriorate and are used up along with the
oil at high tempereatures. When they can no longer do their designed job, the oil
loses some of its necessary properties. Engine oil should be changed before sludge
develops, oxidised deposits form, and additives lose their effectiveness.
COMMON PROBLEMS
The main factors affecting oil consumption are engine speed and engine wear.
Engine temperature increases at high speed due to which the oil viscosity
decreases. The low viscosity oil can pass at higher rate through piston rings into the
combustion chamber where it is burned. High speed can cause ring shimmy or ring
float. Under this condition the oil control rings cannot function effectively.
Crankcase ventilation at higher speeds
causes more air to pass through the crankcase due to which more oil is lost in the
form of mist. At high speeds more oil is fed through the crankcase to the connecting
rod journals.
Oil consumption increases with engine parts wear. Worn bearings throw more oil on
the cylinder walls. Oil control rings do not perform perfectly on the worn cylinder
wall and hence more oil is admitted into the combustion chamber where it burns
and fouls spark plugs, valves, rings, and pistons. Worn intake-valve and exhaust-
valve guides increase oil consumption. Therefore worn parts are to be repaired or
replaced accordingly to bring down the oil consumption to the recommended level.
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Checking of oil level using a dipstick is described in section 11.13.2. While checking
the oil level, the vehicle should be on a level surface and the engine should be
stopped. If the engine has just been shut off, then some time should be allowed for
the oil to drain back into the oil pan. The appearance of oil should be noticed to
check whether it is dirty, thin or thick. The oil is rubbed between the thumb and
finger to check for dirt. If oil is dirty or thin it should be drained and clean oil should
be filled. If oil level is less, oil should be added to the required level.
CHANGING OIL
The oil additives become depleted as the vehicle is driven. The antioxidant additive
is used up which may cause thick tar-like deposits in the engine. The corrosion and
rust inhibitors become depleted, and corrosion begins to take place on the bearing
surfaces. The oil in slowly contaminated with carbon. In some cases moisture
gradually forms sludge in the oil.
Oil change intervals are based on the time or mileage, whichever occurs first. It is
very important to change the oil at the manufacturers’ recommended intervals to
maintain engine internal cleanliness and long engine life. Older vehicles usually
have shorter recommended oil change intervals. When the oil is changed it is very
important to follow the manufacturers’ recommended oil classification and viscosity
rating.
The engine should be at normal operating temperature before oil is drained from
the crankcase. This helps for complete drainage of oil with contaminates. To change
the engine oil, the vehicle is put on a lift. An oil drain pan is placed in position and
the drain plug is removed from the oil pan. After oil is drained, the plug is installed
and the vehicle is lowered. Then oil is filled in the crankcase.
The seal on the new oil filter should be lubricated with a small amount of clean
engine oil before the filter is installed. When the new oil filter is installed, it should
be tightened by rotating it about one half-turn after the seal makes contact with the
mounting plate.
Oil pumps require very little service in normal operation. If pump is badly worn, the
pump is to be removed and disassembled. The pressure relief valve should be
removed and checked to make sure that it is moving freely. Springs of different
tension may be required to be installed to change the regulating pressure in the
relief valve.
If the rotor or the pump housing is worn to the point where the end play exceeds
specifications, one or the other must be replaced. The clearance between the inner
and outer rotors, and that between the outer rotor and the pump housing should be
measured and if the clearance exceeds the specification replacement of specific
part or the total pump is necessary.
Similar is the case with the gear-type pump. The oil pump pickup should be checked
for a plugged screen and air leaks.
PROCEDURE
1. Thoroughly clean the machine due for service, remove mud, dust and debris
that may be on the machine.
2. Warm up the engine:-oil flows more readily when hot and is best drained
after the engine has been warmed up.
3. Pack the vehicle on a flat surface, choke the wheels and remove the (-ve)
battery terminal.
4. Remove the oil filler cap.
5. Loosen the plug with an appropriate wrench and finally by hand allowing the
oil drain into the container.
6. If the drain plug is magnetic, observe what has been attracted on the plug. if
negligible, just clean the drain plug and plug hole and refit the plug firmly.
7. Dispose off the drained oil in designated places.
8. Fill the oil sump with recommended oil. The capacity and grade of oil required
will be given in the handbook.
9. Take out the dip stick, wipe the end, and wait for a few minutes to allow oil to
reach the sump then check the level. Add oil to correct level.
10.Refit the filler cap.
11.Although they are fitted hand tight, most cartridge canisters require a strap
wrench to remove.
12.Remove the filter from the mounting base; wipe oil off the base in readiness
for fitting new filter.
13.Lubricate the oil seal on the new filter with clean engine oil.
14.Screw the filter into position by hand until the seal makes firm contact.
15.Replace the battery terminal and start engine:-the oil pressure light will stay
on a little longer than usual as the filter fills up.
16.Check for oil leaks around the filter.
17.Check oil level; add oil to level if necessary.
2. OIL COOLERS
OBJECTIVE: On completion of this lesson, the learner will be able to service the oil
cooler.
INTRODUCTION
An oil cooler is one of the components whose main function is to remove excess
heat from the engine oil.
SERVICE
MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT
SAFETY
When servicing oil cooler, regardless of its design, location, or the type of service to
be performed, one must proceed with care and follow the recommended
precautionary steps outlined in the service manual.
DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
b) AIR/OIL COOLER
After cleaning and inspecting the cooler, reinstall the cooler in the exact reverse
order from disassembly and test ran the machine to check for leakages.
OBJECTIVE: On completion of this lesson, the learner will be able to overhaul the
engine oil pumps.
INTRODUCTION
A pump is the heart of the engine lubrication system. It is responsible for the flow of
fluid and the power required overcoming the resistance against fluid flow. This
resistance is a combination of that due to friction within the lubrication system and
the load at the bearings.
Pumps suitable for lubrication systems are the positive displacement type. All
positive displacement pumps are designed to effectively seal between the pumping
element and the housing. The efficiency of this kind of pump is its ability to
maintain its seal at various pressures and temperatures.
MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT
SAFETY
When servicing a pump, regardless of its design, location, or the type of service to
be performed, one must proceed with care and follow the recommended
precautionary steps outlined in the service manual.
NOTE: pump failure is evidenced by noise, driveshaft seal leakage, or a drop pump
delivery. Since any of these malfunctions may be due to one or several causes, it is
important to diagnose and correct any such failure before the pump is serviced or a
new one is fitted.
Oil pumps will normally give good performance over a long period of time when
operating in a properly maintained system:
1. Remove sump.
3. Remove timing cover.
4. Remove oil cooler adapter - if fitted.
5. Remove oil pressure relief valve plug, discard sealing washer.
6. Withdraw pressure relief valve spring and valve.
7. Remove oil pressure switch, discard sealing washer.
1. Lubricate relief valve, spring, and bore in housing with clean engine oil.
2. Fit relief valve and valve spring.
3. Fit new sealing washer to plug, fit plug and tighten to correct torque.
4. Pack oil pump housing with Petroleum Jelly.
5. Fit oil pump gears ensuring that Petroleum Jelly is forced into every cavity
between teeth of gears.
CAUTION: Unless pump is fully packed with Petroleum Jelly it may not prime itself
when the engine is started.
GEAR PUMPS
A gear pump is one of the reliable hydraulic pumps. It is robust and lasts long.
SAFETY PRECAUTION
Before removing oil pump, first relief system hydraulic pressure and clean the
machine.
DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
CAUTION
1. Don not use screw driver or chisel to try apart the pump sections. Use soft
hammer.
2. Do not remove the seals unless replacement seals are available.
INSPECTION
PUMP MEASUREMENTS
(A) TIP CLEARANCE
1. Measure tooth contact by placing a correct bade of filler gauge between the
meshing teeth.
2. Compare the measurement with the manufacturer’s specification.
REASSEMBLY
Lubricate all components and replace all worn or damaged parts before reassembly.
1. Assemble seals, bearings and both shafts in their correct meting order.
2. Fit back end plate.
3. Refit the pump back unto the machine.
4. Refit the hoses.
5. Check hydraulic oil and top up if necessary.
6. Test ran the machine and check for leakages.
VANE PUMP
DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
INSPECTION
Check for too much clearance round each vane in its groove.
Check the lateral clearances between the rotor assembly and the pump body.
REASSEMBLY
OBJECTIVE: At the end of the lesson learners will be able to disassemble, inspect
and or replace seals and parkings and reassemble any lubrication components.
LEARNING ELEMENT: - Disassemble, inspect and replace seals and parkings and
reassemble a lubrication component.
INTRODUCTION: - The function of seals and parkings is to prevent all leakages in the
lubrication system. Seals and parkings form part of the lubrication component
assembly.
TOOLS: - Artisan’s tools box, socket box, hammer, hydraulic component e.g. Pump.
A) TYPES OF SEALS
B) SELECTION OF SEALS
The designer of a lubrication system has many factors to consider when choosing a
seal. Some of these are: -
i. Pressure resistance
ii. Heat resistance
iii. Wear resistance
iv. Reactivity strength to different types of oils
v. Static or dynamic applications
vi. Type of materials used on component parts. Some materials are damaged by
hard or metal seals i.e. scored.
C) O-RING MAINTENANCE
O-rings can be easily damaged by cutting or nicks from sharp objects. They can also
be damaged by heat, improper fluids, inadequate lubrication and improper
installation.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
NOTE: when installing spool valves, be especially careful of any O-rings. The sharp
edges of the spool lands can cut the O-rig unless you are very careful.
i. Static O-rings which are used as gaskets should be tightened or torque again
after the unit has been warmed up and cycled several times.
ii. Dynamic O-rings should be cycled (moved back and forth through their
normal pattern of travel) several times to allow the ring to rotate and assume
a neutral position.
iii. All dynamic rings should pass a very small amount of fluid when rotating,
which permits a lubricating film to pass between the ring and the shaft. This
film prevents scuffing of the ring, which results in short life.
Modern seals use rubber, leather, plastics and other materials which require special
handling.
REMOVING SEALS
INSPECTION
INSTALLING SEALS
REMEDIES
3. DRAINIG SYSTEM
Periodical draining of the entire lubrication system is very important.
This is the only positive way to completely remove contaminants
oxidized fluid, and other injurious substances from the system.
The frequency of draining depends on such things as the temperature
of operation and the severity of working conditions.
The drain schedule recommended by the vehicle manufacturer should
be maintained.
NOTE:
Most solvents and chemical cleaners on the market today are NOT
recommended for use in flushing lubrication system. They are poor
lubricants, resulting in damage to moving parts, especially the pump.
They are difficult to remove completely from the system. Just a trace of some
of the commercial chlorinated solvents may be enough to break down the
oxidation resistance of even the best lubrication oils.
In the presence of a small amount of water, some of these solvents will
corrode steel and copper
IMPORTANT: - always check the oil level after any repairs have been made
on the system.
6. PREVENTING LEAKS
Leakages are caused by two basic types:
i. INTERNAL LEAKAGE
CAUSES
Normal wear of parts.
Too low a viscosity because this oil thins faster at high
temperature.
High pressures also force more oil out leaking points in the
system
ii. EXTERNAL LEAKAGE
CAUSES
Loose connections.
Damaged seals and gaskets.
Cracks in the block.
After stopping leaks in a system, be sure to sure to warm up the system and cycle
the equipment, then recheck the trouble sports to be sure the leaks are stopped.
Recheck the system oil level and replace any oil lost through leaks or broken
connections.
7. PREVENTING OVRHEATING
Heat causes engine oil to break down faster and lose its effectiveness. This is why
cooling of the oil is needed.
Effects of overheating:
Break down the oil properties.
Damage the seals.
Coat parts with varnish deposits.
Cause extra leakage past working parts.
Reduce the out of the system.
In many systems, enough heat is dissipated through the lines, the components, and
the sump to keep the oil fairly cool. But on high pressure, high speed circuits, oil
coolers are needed to dissipate the extra heat.
PREVENTION