What are the typical signs of a defective oil pump?

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Recently updated on November 13, 2023 at 01:22 am

[Update: 13.11.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. Is the vehicle's oil pump defective? We know the typical signs, we know how the repair / replacement works and we also have some information about the costs involved. Yes, first a few General information to the oil pump (oil feed pump/oil pressure pump). A combustion engine comes with Engine oil lubricated. The engine oil prevents metal from rubbing against metal when the engine moves. The oil pump is responsible for ensuring that the volume flow and system pressure always remain constant. If the oil pump no longer works properly or no longer works at all, the engine is no longer lubricated or is no longer adequately lubricated.

Signs/Symptoms - Faulty oil pump

If the vehicle continues to be driven with a defective oil pump, there is a risk of fatal accidents engine failure. So if there are indications that the oil pump has not given up its service, then the engine should rinse switched off and the car towed to the workshop.

Oil pumps often succumb to age and have a defect due to wear and tear in the pump. Also there Oil pressure warning light an indication of a possible defect in the oil pump. If the oil pressure warning light flashes or lights up continuously, this is also a sign that something is wrong. Next symptoms are when the indicator light not goes out again immediately after the start, but only when the engine is warm and when an entry like "too low oil pressure“ is deposited.

Can the symptoms be confused?

The oil pressure warning light can also with other problems address such as a low oil level, a broken oil line, or a problem in the electronics. In any case, the vehicle should not to be driven any further. The oil pressure can also be too low due to a clogged oil strainer. In this case, the screen must be cleaned or replaced. And it could also be a problem in the drive and not the oil pump itself. Some vehicles have a chain that drives the oil pump. This chain can expand and then make noise or even break. That can also be the cause.

This is how an oil pump is repaired or replaced.

If it is found that the oil pump has a defect, it will be exchanged for a new part exchanged. Since another failure would mean danger to the engine again, no attempt should be made to repair the pump or to install a used pump. Exactly how the change is made depends on the vehicle model, of course. But first the car is put on the lifting platform so that the Underrun protection can be dismantled. Then follow the dismantling of the engine oil pan and draining the engine oil. The oil pump is located in the crankcase. She has to leave now Power Type, often a chain, to be separated. Now it can be expanded and along with all gaskets be replaced. Then everything is reassembled, the engine oil is refilled and a test drive is carried out. In the course of this repair you should also do that Oil strainer and the oil filter be replaced. The strainer and filter can prevent contamination and consequential damage.

What is the cost of replacing the oil pump?

A new oil pump costs between 25 and 800 euros, depending on the vehicle model and spare parts manufacturer. Febi, Kolbenschmidt, Pierburg and Vaico are well-known spare parts manufacturers for oil pumps. Depending on the type and quantity, the new oil costs between 20 and 250 euros. In addition, there is the new sieve and the new filter. Depending on the structure of the vehicle, the exchange takes between 2,5 and 5 hours. If the workshop charges an hourly rate of 100 euros, the costs for the working time are 250 to 500 euros. So the total bill is somewhere between 300 and 1.600 euros. An enormous range that arises due to the manufacturer and the installed engine. If the vehicle is not quite old, then a goodwill request be a viable option.

What is the job of the engine oil and the oil pump?

The oil performs various tasks in the combustion engine. It lubricates the moving parts of the engine, it absorbs combustion residues and abraded particles, it takes care of the fine sealing and provides protection against corrosion. The engine has an oil circuit in which the oil circulates so that all important lubrication points are always supplied. The oil pump assumes the task of maintaining the volume of the oil flow and the pressure in the oil circuit. The circuit consists of the oil pan with the oil strainer, the oil filter, different oil pressure and return lines and, in some vehicles, one Oil Cooler. The oil is in the oil pan, from where the pump sucks it and pushes it into the circuit. Because of the process, it is called "pressure circulation lubrication". Older vehicles have one oil pump, newer vehicles often have several, then there are oil pressure pumps and oil suction pumps.

Detecting an oil pump defect

• How do you know that the oil pump is defective? A sign of a defective oil pump is a falling oil pressure, recognizable by the indicator light in the cockpit. If the Engine oil light is on, but there is oil, the vehicle should be taken to a workshop for diagnosis. It is recommended to have it towed there to avoid engine damage. If the pump is defective, it is usually worth replacing it with a new one, as repairing it is often not cost-effective.

Cost and duration of the exchange

• How much does it cost to change an oil pump? The cost of the Replacing the oil pump vary. In a specialist workshop the change takes approximately two and a half to five hours. With an average hourly rate of EUR 80, the labor costs are around EUR 200 to 400. Overall, you should consider costs between 290 and 1.030 euros to adjust.

Causes of a defect

• How does the oil pump break? The causes of a defective oil pump can be varied. Possible reasons are a incorrect installation, a worn spring, Pressure drop in the control signal line, a Incorrect setting of the valve or the use of inferior engine oil.

Lifespan of an oil pump

• How long does an oil pump last in a car? The Lifespan of an oil pump is usually very high. Many vehicle owners need to use the unit for the entire life of their vehicle do not exchange. Several A hundred thousand kilometers are the rule.

Meaning of low engine oil pressure

• What does “engine oil pressure too low” mean? If a Oil pressure low the oil is not pumped properly through the engine. This increases the Friction between engine parts and affects the Power. When the oil control light comes on you have about two weeks or 500 miles (about 805 km) timeto fix the problem before the engine is damaged.

Position of the oil pump

• Where is the oil pump on the car? Sickle oil pumps, a common type of oil pump, save space on the Control side of the crankshaft positioned. They are driven directly by the crankshaft, with their pump speed corresponding to the crankshaft speed.

Driving with low oil pressure

• Can you drive with low oil pressure? Driving with too low oil pressure can have a negative impact Power impact what to reduced acceleration ability and a higher fuel consumption can lead. It is advisable to avoid such damage by resolving the issue as soon as possible.

The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

In this tuning blog category there are guides and instructions on common defects/repairs on the vehicle as well as on installing accessories/tuning parts. Our articles explain common defects and the corresponding repairs in a simple manner and also explain how the first signs of a defect become apparent.

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