6 Symptoms of a Bad Oil Pump
The oil pump lubricates your engine by supplying it with oil while it is running. This lubrication prevents metal-to-metal contact and overheating. Even if your oil pump seems very powerful, it can fail over time. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a bad oil pump so you can replace it and avoid costly repairs later.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Oil Pump
There are a number of symptoms to look out for if your oil pump has failed. The key is to pay attention to these signs to catch things early. Usually, oil pumps are only repaired when they start to fail. When this happens, damage to the engine can occur quickly.
1) Low oil pressure/oil pressure warning light on
Oil pressure is regulated by the oil pump. If the oil pump is defective, the oil pressure in the engine will start to decrease. The first sign of low oil pressure is usually seen on the dashboard when the low oil pressure warning light comes on.
Check the oil level as soon as this happens. If the oil level is too low, add oil until the oil level returns to normal. If the oil pressure is still low after this, it means the oil pump has failed. Replace the pump immediately before symptoms get worse.
2) Increased temperatures in the engine
When oil is pumped into the engine, it acts as a lubricant and cools the engine’s moving metal parts. If the engine doesn’t have enough oil, these metal parts rub against each other, generating heat. When enough heat is generated, a warning light on the dashboard will indicate that the engine is hot.
If the engine gets too hot, it can cause damage to the engine and its components. This kind of damage can cost thousands of dollars to repair, so it’s best to take your car to a repair shop as soon as the warning light comes on.
3) Valve Train Noise
The valve train system contains important components that keep your engine running. In addition to the hydraulic lifters in the valve train, it also includes push rods, seals, and valve guides. All of these components rely on oil flowing through them to stay lubricated.
If they are not properly lubricated by lack of oil, these components can stick and stop working completely. If the oil level continues to drop, the valve train will also make loud noises.
4) Oil Pump Noise
Oil pump noise is a rare symptom, as the oil pump will only make noise when it starts to fail. When this happens, you may hear a whistling noise even when the car is idling. This indicates that the oil pump’s internal gears are wearing out, and the entire pump will need to be replaced.
5) Hydraulic Ram Noise
Hydraulic lifters are important to keep your valve train functioning. These tappets only work properly if they have enough oil to lubricate them. A faulty oil pump will cause oil pressure to drop to the point where oil can no longer flow to the engine’s hydraulic tappets.
The hydraulic tappets are not properly lubricated, which causes them to wear out faster. In some cars, the type of oil used has a direct effect on the tappet noise.
6) Blue Exhaust Smoke
If you notice blue smoke coming from your car’s exhaust, you may have an oil problem, which could be an issue with the oil pump. If the pump isn’t working properly, proper oil pressure may not be maintained. This can cause oil to seep past worn piston rings and valve seals into the combustion chamber.
When the engine burns this oil along with the fuel, it produces characteristic blue smoke. The smoke may be noticeable when starting or accelerating the car.
Burning oil can not only indicate an oil pump problem, but it can also lead to poor engine performance and increased emissions. Whether it’s the oil pump or some other problem, blue smoke literally means you’re burning oil, so it’s important to monitor your oil levels and add oil as needed.
