Where is the oil pump relief valve located?
Modern vehicles include the pressure relief valve in the oil pump housing which can be found inside the engine behind the timing cover or the oil pan. Because of this, a vehicle service manual is mandatory to find the location of the valve as the design varies.
What is the purpose of an oil pressure relief valve?
Weak or leaky oil pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve helps regulating oil pressure and protects your engine from getting damaged by high oil pressure.
What causes a motor to lose oil pressure?
When oil viscosity is too low or high, it may be detected as a loss of pressure in the oil supply to the engine. Viscosity that is too high may produce greater resistance from the oil being pumped, leading to a lack of lubrication in the system and consequently lower pressure.
Why do pressure relief valves fail?
System is Over Maximum Pressure If your system is above pressure and your pressure relief valves have not released, this is likely a functional pressure relief valve failure. Contaminants, like dirt, lint, rust, sludge, or even the misalignment of the valve can cause the pressure relief valve to stick.
How does an oil pump pressure relief valve work?
How an oil pump pressure relief valve works Under normal pressure conditions, the oil pressure relief valve is forced down against a spring. As a result, oil goes directly through the pump to the engine. As oil pressure created in the system increases, the valve’s piston is forced against the spring causing it to open.
Why do I need to Shim my oil pump relief valve?
Many people believe the relief valve opens a little at lower RPMS bleeding off a little oil pressure. Shimming the spring increases the oil pressure at higher RPMS but it might also keep oil pressure a little higher at low RPMS.
What happens when a pressure relief valve is stuck?
• A pressure relief valve that is stuck open can allow too much oil to bleed off. This results in a lack of oil pressure and catastrophic engine damage. • A valve stuck closed will result in excessive oil pressure. This can blow out the oil galley plugs in the engine block.
What happens to oil when the pressure relief goes down?
Oil enters the housing and is pulled into space between the lobes. The lobes mesh, pressurizing oil to be sent throughout the engine. Under normal pressure conditions, the oil pressure relief valve is forced down against a spring. As a result, oil goes directly through the pump to the engine.