How the Aircraft Engine Oil System Works?

The aircraft engine is a powerful apparatus, utilizing the compression and ignition of fuel-and-air mixtures to create the power needed to drive the systems necessary for flight and thrust generation. With constant ignition and various moving components, the engine will quickly face various issues such as intense heat levels, friction, contaminate build-up, and much more. If these issues are ignored, they could quickly lead to unsafe conditions as parts lose efficacy and eventually break down or fail. As such, a solution must be in place to deter the various negative byproducts of engine operation. For this, a majority of modern aircraft rely on what is known as the aircraft oil system.

While the engine oil system of a particular aircraft may vary in design, all perform the same roles of lubricating moving parts, reducing friction between assemblies, combating cylinder and engine component heat, and removing contaminants that build up in the system. For a reciprocating engine in particular, the oil system may be a wet- or dry-sump, the former featuring an integrated oil sump while the dry-sump system utilizes a separate tank. During a typical flight operation, a pump will draw oil from the storage tank, directing it through the engine assembly. Once it passes through, the oil will return into the sump. For a dry-sump system, scavenge pumps will be in place to ensure that oil is directed back into storage after use, and they are known for their ability to supply a large amount of oil as compared to wet-sump variations.

With a wet- or dry-sump system, it is important that the pilot regularly checks related instruments to ensure nothing is amiss. With the oil pressure gauge, a pilot can check whether or not the psi of supplied oil is within a normal operating range. Meanwhile, the temperature gauge will provide readings on the temperature of oil, as too hot of oil may indicate a plugged port or low supply, while lower temperatures may lead to improper viscosity for ample performance. To check the quantity of oil, the pilot or inspector can open up the oil filler cap on the fuselage and insert a dipstick. With manufacturer recommendations, the oil level can be compared to see whether more is needed.

If you operate an aircraft that has a wet-sump, dry-sump, or other oil system type, look no further than Nascent Aero for all your procurement needs. Whether you are in search of is new, used, obsolete, or hard-to-find, we present offerings from leading global manufacturers we trust with competitive pricing and rapid lead times. If you happen to be facing a time constraint and require parts fast, rest easy as we expedite the shipping process through the use of our expansive supply chain network stretching across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. If you find a particular item of interest on our website, fill out and submit an RFQ form to receive a quote for your comparisons in just 15 minutes or less. At Nascent Aero, we are more than just a trusted distributor; we are your strategic sourcing partner for all your operational needs!