5 Symptoms of a Broken Car Oil Pump
The function of an oil pump is pretty self-explanatory. Every internal combustion engine needs an oil pump. This is so that oil can circulate and lubricate the engine’s components. The oil pump generates the right amount of pressure to keep the oil moving smoothly.
Additionally, oil is also responsible for cooling these moving components to keep the engine from overheating. This can cause all sorts of problems with your car’s engine and function, and can lead to expensive repair costs if you leave the problem unattended for a long time.
5 Most Common Symptoms of a Failed Oil Pump
This will save you the most money in the long run. Below are the 5 most common signs of a failed oil pump. If you experience just one symptom, it doesn’t automatically mean that your oil pump is defective. However, if you have some of the symptoms listed below, it’s very likely that it is.
1) Low oil pressure
One of the first symptoms you will notice is low oil pressure in your engine. This is to be expected, as the oil pump creates the necessary pressure so that the oil can actually circulate through the engine. Removing this pump also relieves the pressure.
2) Howling noises
If your oil pump is intact, it won’t make any noticeable noises. But if your oil pump is in bad condition, you can expect to hear some odd whining noises from time to time. These noises can occur when the oil pump is about to fail. You may hear these noises while your car is idling and should be concerned.
3) Valve Train Noise
Internal combustion engines have many valves, which are mechanically controlled by a valvetrain system. Valve train components include valve guides, push rods, and seals. These components need to be lubricated with oil to function properly.
So if the oil pump fails, these components will not get the lubrication they need. The friction created in the valve train will cause noise.
4) Noise from hydraulic rams
If the oil pump fails, there will not be enough pressure to pump oil to the hydraulic lifters, and they will not receive the proper amount of lubrication.
This will cause the jack to make a loud noise and wear out faster. If this condition continues for a long time, you may have to replace not only the oil pump but also the hydraulic lifters.
5) Engine Overheating
The worst symptom is an overheating engine. When the entire engine continues to lack the lubrication that its components need, a huge amount of heat will build up inside the engine. If the oil pump is not working, there is no oil to cool these components.
On the dashboard, you will see the needle on the temperature gauge moving towards the red zone. This is an indication that the engine is overheating.
