Oil level
This is checked with the
help of a dipstick. There is a mark on the dipstick to indicate the proper level.
It is taken out, wiped clean, inserted in the pump and finally taken out to see
the wet portion of it. If the dipstick is not wet up to the mark, more oil has
to be added.
Oil levels should be checked daily regularly and maintained at the
proper level. In case the oil level is too high, so that the crankshaft is too close
to the oil surface, it will cause foaming of oil so that air enters the lubricating
system which would cause inconsistent oil pressure.
Moreover,
if the big ends of the connecting rods also dip in the oil, the consumption of
the oil would increase because of excessive oil splashing which the piston
rings can control, due to which some of the oil would enter the combustion
chamber and get burnt. A decrease of oil level below the specified mark, however,
is more dangerous since it may lead to oil starvation of the engine working
parts with consequences.
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Oil change
While
checking the oil level with the dipstick, put a few drops of oil on your first
finger and then rub the same with your thumb. With practice, this procedure tells
you about the dirt etc. present in the oil and also whether the oil is sufficiently
thick or not.
Apart from this, the colour of the oil will also indicate its
quality. If the oil is too dark and thin, the same has to be changed. Usually, oil
is changed after 1000, 2000, or 4000 km. intervals depending upon the
conditions of operation. However, the manufacturer’s instructions should be
followed for this.
For
changing the oil, warm up the engine and drain while it is still warm. Light
flushing oil should then be used for flushing. Run the engine for a few minutes
with the flushing oil in the sump, and then stop the engine and drain the
flushing oil kerosene or petrol should never be used for this purpose. Finally, ensure
that the drain plug is tight and refill the new lubricating oil of suitable
specifications as recommended by the manufacturer.
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| Automatic lubricate system |
Checking the oil pump
The
points to be tested in a gear pump are the clearance between the gear teeth,
stub shaft wear, bush and oil relief valve. The clearances are measured with a
feeler gauge. If the clearance between the gear teeth is more than 0.5 mm. the
gears have to be replaced.
Similarly, the stub shaft is replaced if the wear thereon
is more than 0.05 mm. The bush in the drive gear or the drive shaft has to be
discarded if the clearance there has exceeded 0.1 mm. In the relief valve, the
spring is to be tested for stiffness and if found not according to design
specifications, is to be replaced.
Checking the oil filter
Open the oil filter and inspect the
element. If the same is found clogged, the same may be cleaned and reused, but
the better practice is to discard the clogged element and replace it with a new
one. To check whether the filter is really clogged, touch the same after
running the engine for some time.
If the filter is hot to the touch, it means it is
clean. However, if it is cold, this indicates that no oil passes through it,
because of clogging. Generally, this changed after 10,000 km. however again it
depends upon the conditions under which the vehicle has been running.
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