Lubrication & Lubrication systems

Primary Objects of lubrication

To reduce friction between moving parts to its minimum value so that power loss is minimized. To reduce wear of the moving parts as far as possible. Other important purposes To provide cooling effect. To provide cushioning effect. To provide cleaning action. To provide a sealing action.

Requirements of Lubricants
Viscosity Physical Stability Chemical stability Resistance against corrosion Flash point Cleanliness Resistance against extreme pressure

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Main crankshaft bearing Big end bearings Gudgeon pin bearings Piston rings and cylinder walls Timing gears Camshaft and camshaft bearings Valve mechanism

Main parts of an automobile engine which require lubrication

Main crankshaft bearing

Big end bearings

Piston rings and cylinder walls

Timing gears

Camshaft and camshaft bearings

TYPES OF LUBRICANTS
Animal oils Vegetable oils Mineral oils Synthetic lubricants Greases Solid lubricants

Animal oils
Basically obtained from animal fats. Not at all fit for automotive engines as they are easily oxidized and become gummy after some use.

Vegetable oils
Basically produced from seeds, fruit of plants, trees etc. Ex: canola oil, castor oil, palm oil, sunflower seed oil, linseed oil, karanja oil etc. These also like animal oils easily oxidized and become gummy hence unfit for use. However castor oil was once found extensive use in automobile industry because of its high viscosity and high film strength.

Mineral Oils
Derived from petroleum are the most widely used ones in automobiles. These are mixture of paraffins, naphthenes and aromatics. Advantages Greater chemical stability at higher temperatures Less tendency to form emulsions with water. More plentiful and cheaper.

Synthetic Lubricants
The examples of synthetic lubricants are polyorganosiloxanes or silicon fluids, polyglycol ethers and aliphatic diester oils. Advantages compared to mineral oils Higher viscosity index. Reduced loss due to evaporation. Considerably less oil consumption. Less engine deposits. Less frequent changes of lub oil.
Increased fuel economy.

Greases
Suspensions of metallic soaps (Ca or Na soaps) dispersed in a lub oil. Used in places where retention of liquid lubricants is difficult and where high temperatures are encountered ex: axles.

Solid Lubricants
Graphite has been used as a cylinder lubricant, both in powder and colloidal form. It is stable at high temperatures and has low coefficient of friction. The special feature of graphite is that it fills the pores of metal and makes it friction free.
Dry lubricants such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide and tungsten disulfide also offer lubrication at temperatures (up to 350 C) higher than liquid and oil-based lubricants are able to operate.

Lubrication Systems
1. 2. 3. 4. Petroil systems Splash system Pressure system Dry Sump system

Splash Lubrication system

Pressure System of Lubrication

Crankshaft

Dry Sump Systems