Engine Lubrication: Description and Operation

The engine lubrication system and the lubrication components for the 3.0L engine are designed for lubrication efficiency and engine noise reduction. The positive displacement, crankshaft-driven oil pump draws the oil from the oil pan through the oil pump screen cover and tube. The oil pump then sends the oil to the oil filter where it is directed to the cylinder block and the cylinder heads. The oil then drains into the oil pan. The oil filter adapter is mounted on the oil pump. A full-flow oil filter is mounted to the oil filter adapter. The oil filter adapter uses an oil pressure relief valve that allows engine oil pressure to bypass a clogged or blocked oil filter and continue to lubricate the engine main oil gallery. This condition is not allowable for long periods of time because the engine oil is not being filtered. Under the recommended normal engine operating conditions all of the engine oil will pass through the oil filter.