The most likely explanation for oil pressure problems is a faulty oil pump. Depending on the way your engine is built, the rotation of your crankshaft or camshaft will actuate a pump that pressurizes engine oil and forces it through passageways into the engine's crankcase so that the internals are lubricated. Proper lubrication is an absolute necessity, and without the right amount of oil pressure the crankshaft and connecting rods will likely seize. You may also experience stuck valves or ignition knocking because the camshaft and/or lifters can't get enough oil. Either situation could completely mean a disaster is looming. Your oil pump is the heart of this internal lubrication system. If it is not working properly, then pressure will drop and engine heat will increase. An alert will pop up on your dashboard instrument panel informing you that a problem is on the rise, and needs to be checked out ASAP. Almost all oil related problems can be traced back to a worn out oil pump that needs to be replaced, so don't take it lightly if that warning light comes up.
Your oil pump either runs off a gear on your crankshaft or camshaft, and pressurizes and distributes oil to pipes inside the engine. The earliest oil pumps were plunger style pumps, and would sit right inside the bottom of the oil pan drawing oil directly from the source. Now, they are gear or vane style pumps that are bolted right at the front of the engine. They are fed through a small tube that connects the pump and the oil filter or a pickup in the pan. This is definitely a more efficient and effective style of oil pump, however can be more difficult to service or replace if it goes bad.
Replacing an oil pump yourself can sometimes be a big job. On many modern cars, it usually sits right at the front of the engine and is driven by a gear on the crankshaft. As a result, you will need to remove many components from the engine to access it. This is often easiest if done by a professional mechanic. Older engines with mechanical ignition distributors usually keep the oil pump in the oil pan, bolted to the underside of the crank case. It is driven by a continuous shaft that connects the pump and the distributor, and is actuated by a gear on the camshaft. Those are much easier to work on, since all you have to do is remove the oil pan and replace the bad oil pump from underneath.
There's no need for you to put yourself through unnecessary hassle when buying your replacement oil pump. At Car Parts Discount, we know you value your time and your money. So we offer the best aftermarket brands and original equipment manufacturers oil pumps at super low prices. Not only can you find a great part at a great price here, but it will ship almost immediately. That means you aren't stuck with a broken down car and no way to fix it. Why shop anywhere else?
