Febi-Bilstein Oil Pump | 021115103

The oil pump in your VW is a mechanical pump that pressurizes and distributes engine oil throughout the engine for lubrication and cooling purposes. Engine oil pumps are gear driven by a rod from the camshaft or distributor, can use gears, vanes, or rotors to build oil pressure and pump oil throughout the engine, and are equipped with a relief valve to prevent creating too much oil pressure. Engine oil pumps are often located at the bottom of the engine to be near the engine oil reservoir, so the pumps only need priming if the engine has been run for an extended period.

Oil pumps fail when they produce too much or too little oil pressure for the engine. Lower oil pressure happens when the pump has worn out gears, vanes, or rotors and does not create adequate oil pressure to lubricate the engine. Low oil pressure can create excess friction and heat in the engine, wearing bearings and journals, which will eventually wear the cam and crankshafts, cylinder head, and engine block. Higher oil pressure happens when the relief valve gets stuck closed or clogged, causing the engine seals to leak and the oil to foam, reducing engine location.

Replacement of an oil pump will often require extensive to moderate tear down of the engine, with some rare engine designs having the pump mounted to the exterior of the engine. Therefore, when replacing an oil pump, it is wise to find out what other engine parts can easily be replaced simultaneously to prevent future engine repairs.

Symptoms of low or high oil pressure from a failed oil pump are often not noticed until catastrophic engine damage occurs. Regular oil services are vital for maintaining proper oil pump function, and you should never ignore an oil warning light that will indicate a low oil level or low or high oil pressure.

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