Oil level indicator
To make sure that sufficient oil is there in the engine
crankcase some means must be provided for its measurement. The simplest method
most commonly used is the dipstick. It is a long stick with a handle at one
end for holding. The marks are provided on the dipstick indicating full, half
full or quarter full crankcase. The critical mark is also provided below which
the level should not fall. The driver must check the oil level
at regular intervals, particularly before undertaking any long journey.
Another type of oil level indicator is based on the float system. To the float
inside the crankcase, a suitable indicator to indicate the oil level outside
the crankcase.
Oil coolers
In all heavy-duty engines, the engine temperature and hence
the temperature of oil becomes quite high. As the viscosity of lubricating oils
decreases with temperature rise, at higher temperatures the oil film in the
bearings might break and the conditions of boundary lubrication may be created
instead of fluid lubrication which is desired. To avoid such a thing happening, heavy-duty engines are provided with oil coolers.
Oil coolers are nothing but simple heat exchanges. Either the
cold water from the radiator or the air stream is used to cool the oil. The Water-type coolers are, however, more common because they can be used as reversible
coolers.
Oil pressure gauges
If any leakage occurs at any part of the lubrication system,
the pressure in the entire system would fall, reducing consequently the oil
supply to various bearings as a result of which they are bound to starve and be
damaged. Thus the driver needs to keep a watch on the oil
pressure and any reduction in the system pressure must come into his notice.
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technology