Oil pump

For the pumps used in petroleum production, see pumpjack or submersible pump.

An oil pump is a pump designed to supply pressurised oil to a closed system.

• In automotive engineering, an oil pump is part of a lubrication system, transporting the oil to various moving parts inside the engine.
• In hydraulics, the oil pump is used to deliver mechanical energy to remote actuators via tubes, pipes and hoses.

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Internal combustion engines

In an internal combustion engine, the oil pump is usually a gear pump driven by the camshaft or crankshaft. ^[1] Oil pressure varies quite a bit during operation, with lower temperature and higher RPM's increasing pressure. To ensure that the oil pressure doesn't exceed the rated maximum, a spring-loaded pressure relief valve routes oil back to its source once pressure exceeds a preset limit. ^[2]

References