How the Engine Lubrication System Works

Here's how the engine oil works to lubricate the moving parts in your engine.
Engine oil begins and ends its journey in the oil sump, at the bottom of the car's engine. An oil pump, driven by the crankshaft, sucks oil up through the pickup tube and pushes it through tiny machined galleries in the engine block to lubricate key components.
Oil pressure is created when oil flow is let through a tiny hole. The hole acts like a restriction, as the oil is let through at a high velocity, sufficiently coating and lubricating essential parts.
Oil then flows from the pump to the filter. The filter consists of an anti-drain back valve and a bypass valve. An OEM Toyota filter is taken apart and a paper filter is discovered to be the filter material.
Further down the line, the oil flows to the crank bearings, and up through the connecting rods to shoot oil at the piston walls and connecting rod bushings. The oil control ring on the piston are what's responsible for scraping excess oil off the cylinder walls so it doesn't get burned during combustion above the piston.
An oil galley feeds the head of the engine up near the top. It first leads off to lubricate the camshaft bearings (through the hollow camshaft), before splitting off into the variable valve timing solenoid and into the VVT-i gear.
A small channel leads off the head to pressurize the timing chain tensioner on the timing cover. A small squirt of oil also lubricates the timing chain itself.
Any remaining oil in the head, block, crank case or timing cover is left to drain down into the oil sump, where the oil is cycled back around into the lubrication system all over again.
The engine demonstrated in this video was from a 2001 Toyota Corolla with the 1ZZ-FE VVT-i engine.

[@iHSAN_9T3]

You have sacrificed one of your engines to teach us how the oil lubrication system works we appreciate that. Thanks man very helpful show.

[@speedkar99]

Hey I learned alot too!

[@HighPriest1776]

@@speedkar99 how do you know when you need a new engine vs a rebuild? I had an oil leak and ended up driving my truck for 30 min without oil.

[@mopricefam]

@@HighPriest1776 take the block and head to a machine shop so they can properly check for warping. If it did warp, sometimes they can machine the high spots down to get all mating surfaces completely flat and properly hone the cylinder walls out if it's not too bad.

[@Project_EG2]

So much info in 8 minuets with no rambling or long intro

[@speedkar99]

Thats my style

[@Youngandgrey-wx8ss]

@@speedkar99 cool style

[@chocolate_squiggle]

When I was younger I was wrongly told oil just kinda got flung up everywhere it needed to go randomly from the engine moving - I really thought it dipped into the oil puddle at the bottom. Later I realised there were 'oil galleries' but I still thought they just sorta carried oil into different areas of the engine. I had no idea everything was this precise - it's amazing. And I didn't realise why oil pressure was needed but I can see now it's to make sure oil is forced through all those small channels. And that oil pump is like nothing I've ever seen too - I've made so many assumptions all these years, I just thought it had blades like a water pump or something. I'm astonished how much you can teach someone in 7 minutes.

[@Senkino5o]

So many processes to come from an iron or ally casting to an engine block. The Engineers truly stand on the shoulders of many men who came before to design a good engine.

[@hjer731]

Well said

[@brianday13]

Moral of the story; your oil travels a great distance through many small holes and passages. Better keep that oil clean if you want your engine to last.

[@speedkar99]

+Brian Day it sure does.

[@elgayetas]

And stick with anything but murican engines, murican engineers don't know what they are doing when it comes to an engine

[@jooky87]

I like the “now I’m gonna cut this open to see what’s inside” lol, nice trade mark statement, and so useful!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I've been using that line for all my recent videos and it works good 😃

[@Truff808]

Praise this man for packing so much info and no fluff, stuttering, begging for likes/subscribes or god awful music. This is what a real KZbin creator looks like.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. Short and to the point is my style

[@MrRanggong]

I love a guy that knows what he is talking about and explains it quickly. I learned more about oiling in 7 minutes with this video than hours wasted with others.

[@speedkar99]

Short and to the point is my style! Thanks

[@interlinkknight]

After trying to watch all the first few videos that are on the search result, finally found yours which is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

[@speedkar99]

+InterlinkKnight glad you found it helpful

[@iPervy]

Man this was fascinating! Ever since I started changing my own oil I was curious on how this all worked haha. Thanks for this speedkar! You've scratched a itch only a well greased man with a questionable toothbrush could reach!

[@speedkar99]

+iPervy I'm glad you learned something from my video. My brothers toothbrush can sure make for a good backscratcher

[@MrMarineGomez]

Best video on the internet describing how oil flows throughout the engine!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks - curious have you found any other videos like this for oil?

[@user-jm7wd4br8n]

@@speedkar99 I've found super simple animations that don't explain the channels the oil goes through. great vid was literally the exact kind of video i was looking for

[@AutOdometer]

I love your toothbrush lol... its like a pointer that professors use... subcribed and noti. squad

[@speedkar99]

+AutOdometer thanks. Good old toothbrush is one tool for everything

[@kincardinedistrictsecondar354]

I think Taryl Dactal is missing a tooth brush lol

[@xdygmnyrdf]

i like how this oil pump is driven directly by crankshaft, not by chain. seems much more simple and reliable.

[@speedkar99]

Yes that's good for engines that have the space for it.

[@bossbaby1037]

I'm an auto technician now, but why I totally enjoy your video daily is because of the cutting, we never had this experience during days of learning from the dealership as apprenticeship training program, I also totally love straight to the answer with your brothers toothbrush 😂

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. You are right, mechanics don't get the opportunity to see inside these components, just replace them

[@bossbaby1037]

@@speedkar99thanks man huge love ❤️🌹

[@adamg5563]

This video is insane lol. Its fast and to the point! Literally every detail in the oils journey through the engine and then cutaways to chop up the pieces and go even deeper. I couldn't stop watching!! Great job and thank you!

[@marcorubio3496]

Hands down this is the best video I have seen on engines. I am getting ready to do my oil pump and this answered questions I had. Thanks.

[@speedkar99]

+Marco Rubio Thank you

[@kebruya]

This makes me wanna change my oil right now

[@speedkar99]

You probably should

[@danielpincu7743]

:)) I feel the same.

[@SmokeDogNY420]

Watched this after watching Thomas Schwenke's animated version of how engine lubrication works....very cool to see cut aways then the real thing in yours.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks...I like to bring practical examples to explain. I find it's easier than animations sometimes.

[@evoson5229]

I love your videos. Thank you everything you're doing for the community.

[@theylied1776]

I love this types of informative video because there's no BS, just straight to the point and easy to understand.

[@surreal_seb]

This is impressive. For so long, the small oil leak, which is supposedly common for my Subaru, has been blamed on a blown gasket. Not saying it's not to blame, but the fact you just revealed the bearing covers could wear allowing a leak and knocking, is new 2 me. 👍 Job bro!

[@isatntt]

Thank you for being here speedkar! I found you last month and I've loved all of your videos from then!

[@speedkar99]

+Brubble Butt I'm glad you learned and enjoyed my videos.

[@mohssenify]

finally a straightforward video with theory and practice found thank you man

[@richardtrowell8812]

Best explanation I have seen on oil system including visuals. My oil system is completely clogged up. Don't think previous owner ever changed oil. Will have to change motor.

[@pg41226]

You’re master, mr speedkar! I learn so much. And if I have a question about an engine, first I’ll KZbin you, a better explanation does not exist. It’s not only the explanation, but also the clear language you speak… not a hysterical typical American like scotty kilmer or chrisfix but just clear English. Thanks

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I'm Canadian

[@enayes21]

this video has helped me to figure out i hav to replace the oil pump in my 2004 sonata hopefully ill b back on the roads with yall great work man

[@speedkar99]

Glad it helped

[@hostilityy]

You forgot to mention the crosshatch on the cylinder walls. Those are very important in the lubrication system. One cannot just assume that the oil will lubricate the piston rings. Without those crosshatching, you'll burn the piston rings and walls really quick.

[@hostilityy]

btw I like your videos a lot. I binge watch this shit. hells yeah brother, hells yeah.

[@speedkar99]

+hostilityy thanks, I actually didn't think of the cross hatch

[@mechanicable5741]

speedkar99 They're essentially part of the lubrication system because if they're too horizontal, they'll hold too much oil and the piston rings will just be floating on oil and never really grab the cylinder walls. if too vertical, the oil will just drain down and no lubrication and will fry the piston rings and cylinder walls. that is why they have to be "cross" hatch like 45 degree angle overlapping each other with specific groove depths. your video is still perfectly fine without this detail because the average tuner or DIY guy doesn't know this stuff even exist. too technical lol

[@Vanguardkl]

Great editing. Concise and focused information. Thanks for the short video. More information in 7 minutes than others in 20 mins.

[@speedkar99]

+O K thanks Short and sweet is my style

[@TheHazelberg]

Wow.. that was a good explanation of how the oil flow runs. Thank you very much for this. Much appreciated.

[@speedkar99]

It's so intricate eh

[@TheHazelberg]

I have issues with low oil pressure on my Tahoe 2004. Am I forming myself how this lubrication system works. Resulting in everytime I start my other car I see in my mind how the oil reaches out to the camshaft rockers and I easily wait a few seconds before I start driving hehe… am more aware of how delegate this system is actually or actually more aware of how you can screw up your engine by not treating it with regular shifting of oil. 👍😎

[@poppyatcs4529]

I wish I had teachers that had as much interest and insight as you do!

[@SonnetGomes]

This is amazing how it all works considering how things are exploding and burning inside an engine. Thank you so much for putting this informational video out there.

[@speedkar99]

It's so intricate!

[@Honestandtruth]

@@speedkar99 Great jobs in Explained how the Oil lubricated throughout engine parts..... just for my Curiosity.... Thanks 👍👍

[@TheEarthandyou]

The oil functioning of an engine is quite complicated. This is well done, and reveals the system as good as possible.

[@pkfdt]

This is real life learning. Pay for your engine.Thx

[@speedkar99]

Worth it

[@DPac9]

Thank you so much! Your sacrificed engine & your detailed explanation helped me scratch my long, wondered & puzzled itch !! Now I can’t rest peacefully 😇 You’re a hero to many wondering 💭 autominds

[@johnwolf1146]

THIS IS AMAZINGLY GREAT VIDEO. Straight to the point explanations and very clear and great usage of engine parts. widened my knowledge much better. thnx.

[@ruthlessinu626]

Best teaching videos from this guy, hands down.

[@jowarnis]

Best video about engine lubrication on youtube! Thank you!

[@speedkar99]

Glad you learned something

[@MowSow]

Amazing video !! Not only you are very knowledgeable on the topics but also you explain it very clearly with great flow and no time wasted !! I didn’t need to fast forward anything. From your ability to explain things so clearly I am going to guess and say you are CANADIAN !

[@cuongong1649]

Very informative, and educational video explaining how oil lubrication in an ice works.👍

[@varathan3558]

Just perfect video and explanation of oil pump and lubrication system. You are the best!

[@scribbean]

This is the masterpiece of engine oil flow

[@user-vs7sb9wg2r]

I love your brother's sock and your explanations. They're lit!

[@speedkar99]

+lego technic ah yes the sock The best tool for greasy situations

[@melantheoszimurri9981]

You are an excellent teacher. I’m binge watching this whole playlist. I feel like I can build a car after this lol

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, glad you learn something from my videos.

[@MrFreakydeakydutch]

Great video, direct and to the point. Thanks so much!

[@overlord5066]

Excellent, i have this exact motor with a low oil pressure problem (which otherwise runs fine). Help'ed me visualize exactly where all the oil galleries/etc are and whats connected too what. Pretty sure im dealing with some worn out bearings OR at most, a jammed/sloppy oil relief in the oil pump. Might start with some thicker oil and see what it does too the pressure, then go down the hole of either pulling the pump, or the whole motor lol

[@davidelias13]

Damn! Great job, and this is from a practicing mechanical engineer (who works with engines).

[@speedkar99]

I'm a mechanical engineer too. Cheers

[@jonescadangen3203]

I subscribed right away the moment i heard you explain and by those comments im reading. Man this is what i need. Detailed educational video no etc bullshits. Exactly for rookies lessons which we could watch over n over. Getting excited for ur new videos. And men im lucky its a toyota! Same same same! Whoo jackpot vid!

[@donaldshort3701]

20 years on major race car teams F1 Indy and off road I never had heard it put down like that awesome

[@cobrar5161]

i really love the way you explain things,i wish my instructor would have taught me in the same way like you do.

[@speedkar99]

+cobra R thanks. I didn't think my style was that great, but I guess it appeals to some

[@zhemyrdiaz2674]

Excellent video! Very clear, clear, and concise explanation.

[@dc5723]

Another excellent explanation/tour - thanks speedkar99!

[@gy9969]

Excellent job explaining how the engine is lubricated. And thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise! I learned a lot today.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@samuelsanchez4885]

This was so informative..Auto shop 101 !!! Great presentation of how the combustion engine works!! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@speedkar99]

Thanks although I'm no teacher 🤣

[@lutendomasakona5754]

The best illustration of high quality ever keeps up the good work SIR

[@speedkar99]

Thanks! More to come.

[@9-ballguru]

Great video! thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@AliDosh]

Comparing this video to all others on the same topic, they use diagrams and computer-generated animations with all colorful stuff, but in the end THAT’s what I was looking for ! ( just like the difference between color atlas of anatomy on a real cadaver, and other sorts of anatomy books 📚, there’s only so much you can deliver with diagrams .. the real machine dissection is a whole next level .. ) Rich in details and even the wear and tear marks, traces of damage and scratches, all give you a subliminal hint about the mechanics and you can always perceive the motion in your head , especially with old engines .. You did a brilliant job here .. keep up with the good work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@speedkar99]

Thanks I'm glad this teardown helped. I have a similar perspective, animations are cool but seeing the actual thing shows you alot more!

[@AliDosh]

speedkar99 You’re absolutely right ! Also, when you expose the internals of an old engine, and I see how clean some components still are, compared to the rest of the body, despite probably years of operation, I imagine all the sealing and filtration techniques for oil as it’s flowing along its journey through the engine.. you show all of that and much more without saying a word ! Your effort is highly appreciated man, and we’re waiting for more .. 👍🏻

[@ovalwingnut]

You know I had the sound off and I wasn't aware of what channel I was watching... that being said, I spotted your BROTHER'S TOOTHBRUSH and "just like that", I was home :O) Thank your brother for me.

[@esilva2789]

Thanks for not being boring

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

Another great video. Glad I found ya!! Edit: Amazing this works at all. It's like they just kept adding more and more oil passages until they were like shit that's a lot.

[@speedkar99]

+Hugh Jafro yea there are a lot of oil passages and this isn't even a modern engine.

[@gaffnaldo1]

Great video, this guy knows...

[@obi-wankenobi9337]

This is literally perfect explanation!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I'll make an updated one for the vq35de

[@peterjackson2632]

Beautifully explained for a novice like me - well done

[@condor5635]

I am pretty sure some JB Weld will work on that camshaft and oil pan when you put the engine back together. Might have to put on a second layer after the first one! Great video speedkar99!

[@ygmsmrtnow5300]

This was awesome, so cool of you to put this together! I hope you are an instructor somewhere; you really know what you're talking about.

[@saniduanupama5818]

Really Helpful!! Thanks a loads for sharing this !

[@getyourkicksagain]

Excellent explanation! A bit destructive, but clear and concise. Great video.

[@speedkar99]

Have to be destructive to learn

[@sinegra30]

You are a amazing teacher

[@justsaiyansteve]

So thats how it works! Great explanation.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@khaledel-manse497]

Great job .. thanks alot man :)

[@chasenoorda9931]

Brilliant video, thank you

[@labradormcgraw2409]

Great video. I always learn something new from this guy.

[@speedkar99]

+Labrador McGraw thanks. Glad you learned something new.

[@antwaunkent5654]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽Now this!, Is how you give a demo! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@speedkar99]

Glad you liked it!!

[@leewilson6040]

Great detailed explanation-thanks.

[@MrFlavprince]

Thank You so much for that good explanation.

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@prasadreddy5421]

Nice Video on Eng. Oil Lubrication 👍

[@insaneseafarer]

Loved this video. Thank you

[@0ne1Reality]

This is so aducative, good job bro.

[@ffgenese2]

Excellent explanation!!! THANK YOU!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@youtubebitchcenter1463]

Once again to the point and very precise.👍wow- so many places in an engine that can get build or built?up of crud and block oil flow. Always wondered how it lubricated everything.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. And yes there's alot of oil passages

[@sevensickszero6112]

Thanks for the detailed explanation...

[@chadholmes7051]

Only just stumbled across your channel really like your style of explaining things and straight to the point 👍

[@speedkar99]

That's my style. Check out my other videos

[@future1804]

What an excelent video! Thank you!

[@speedkar99]

+Alejandro Field Manjarrez Thank you glad you enjoyed it.

[@xzsan2535]

great job man. thank you.

[@joemilton7552]

Awesome video man, and 30K subscribers? You're growing now! Probably 100K by this time next year.

[@speedkar99]

+Joe Milton eh, I don't think I've been growing that much, hoping for The best.

[@fernandoanatomia]

Great video!

[@swiss9495]

Great Knowledge and thanks for teaching.

[@squoocher]

Really concise and helpful. Thanks so much

[@speedkar99]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dannystutsman7636]

Best video description I've ever seen

[@marianoderosa4983]

Excellent explanation

[@W.Khairi]

Nice , CLEAN AND THOROUGH, THANKS A LOT.

[@speedkar99]

Your welcome

[@genzisgod4930]

You are amazing. Thank you for this video

[@shantanugumaste7993]

Awesome video for clear understanding

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@michaelmclaughlin8474]

Excellent, thank you for the information you’re a very knowledgeable, man...!!!

[@speedkar99]

Thank you very much

[@stansbruv3169]

This is GREAT content!!

[@TheCondoInRedondo]

Great job!

[@lemster101]

Really good video!

[@AgorosoHansel]

Thank you very much for this explanation. Bravo Zulu

[@user-ze9gy4tn6x]

Thank you for cutting the stuff open.

[@speedkar99]

Your welcome, check the rest of my videos for more

[@andrewreddy7906]

homie you are mad. super informative. i need to watch this like 10 times. love your fun with an angle grinder

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, and yep the grinder sure comes in handy

[@dexterwaithe3179]

Excellent video