olajpumpa

An olajpumpa, or oil pump, is a device used to circulate lubricating oil in various machinery, most notably internal combustion engines. The pump draws oil from the oil pan (reservoir) and forces it through the oil filter and lubrication passages to bearings and gears, providing lubrication and cooling.

Most oil pumps are positive-displacement types. Common designs include gear pumps (external and internal), vane pumps, and gerotor or trochoid pumps. In many automotive engines, the pump is a trochoid/gerotor type housed in the timing cover and driven by the crankshaft or camshaft via a gear train, chain, or belt.

Operation: as the pump turns, a suction stroke draws oil through the inlet; the rotors or gears create a low pressure that draws oil in, and the internal cavity volume decreases to build pressure, forcing oil into galleries and through the filter. A pressure relief valve limits maximum pressure and bypasses oil when cold or clogged. Viscosity affects flow; colder oil is more viscous and pumps may deliver less flow until warmed.

Applications and maintenance: Primary in automotive engines, motorcycles, aircraft, and industrial gearboxes. Common issues include worn gears or rotors, degraded seals, blocked passages, or a faulty relief valve, leading to low or excessive oil pressure. Maintenance involves regular oil changes, using correct viscosity, inspecting pump and seals, and replacing the pump if worn or damaged.

Name and terminology: In Hungarian, olajpumpa is the term for oil pump.