Monitoring Oil Pan Pressure: How Much Is Too Much?

The oil pan is an essential component of an engine's lubrication system, but it is a common misconception that more oil is always better. While it is crucial to have sufficient oil in the pan, overfilling it can lead to windage, a turbulent mix of oil spray and airflow churning under the pistons and around the crank. This phenomenon creates a parasitic draw on engine power and can result in higher oil temperatures. Conversely, having too little oil can cause oil pressure problems and lead to engine damage. Therefore, finding the right balance in oil pan capacity is critical to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.

Oil slosh control

The oil in an engine's oil pan can easily slosh about as the vehicle moves. During dynamic driving, this oil slosh can cause the pickup to become uncovered, resulting in a loss of pressure. This can be prevented by choosing an oil pan that controls oil slosh. If space permits, an oil pan with a narrow, deep sump can be used to keep the oil under control. Alternatively, a pan with good baffling and an Accusump Oil Accumulator can be considered.

To address windage issues, a windage tray can be installed under the crank to direct draining oil to the oil pan's sump, away from the crank and windage. A crankscraper can also be added for extra protection.

For extreme angles or forces, such as sliding, climbing, or jumping, a performance oil pan is recommended. A deep-style wet sump oil pan allows oil to stack up over the pickup, giving it less room to move. A dry sump system, on the other hand, pumps all the oil out of the pan and stores it in a separate baffled tank, ensuring the oil doesn't move away from the oil supply pickup.

The Accusump System is ideal for situations where the oil in the pan cannot be expected to stay put. It holds a given amount of pressurized oil in reserve and discharges it when there is an interruption in the normal oil supply.

While it is essential to have enough oil in the pan to prevent engine damage, too much oil can also create problems. Windage, or turbulent environments in the crankcase, can be caused by too much oil, leading to a parasitic draw on the engine's power. Additionally, high oil temperatures can result from the extra oil splashing around the crank and under the pistons, causing aeration and reducing the oil's ability to pull heat from the engine.

To find the right balance in your oil pan, start with the manufacturer's suggested level and make adjustments as needed. Oil pressure drops and temperature can be indicators of oil level problems, so it is important to monitor these factors.

Oil volume

The oil volume in an oil pan is a delicate balance. While it may be tempting to add more oil to prevent engine starvation, or to lower the oil level to prevent windage in the crankcase, making extreme adjustments to the oil level in a stock oil pan can cause more problems than it solves.

The "more oil is better" argument is based on the fact that the oil level in the pan will be reduced when the engine is running and oil is pumped into the block. However, this is usually already calculated in the oil level, and adding too much oil can lead to issues.

When there is too much oil in the pan, it can create windage, a turbulent environment of oil spray and airflow churning under the pistons and around the crank. Windage puts a strain on the engine and can cause high oil temperatures as the extra oil splashes around the crank and under the pistons. Additionally, windage can cause aeration in the oil, reducing its ability to pull heat from the engine.

On the other hand, not having enough oil can also be detrimental to the engine. This can lead to the engine running too hot or not having sufficient oil pressure to prevent engine damage. Drag racers, for example, may implement a low oil capacity strategy to maximise power, but this comes with the risk of damaging the engine.

To find the right balance, it is recommended to start with the manufacturer's suggested oil level and make adjustments as needed based on factors such as oil pump volume, engine oiling passage tolerances, and motor stroke. Striking the right balance between too much and too little oil can help maximise power and minimise the possibility of engine damage.

Oil turbulence

To address oil turbulence, a windage tray can be installed under the crank to direct draining oil to the oil pan's sump, away from the crank and the turbulence occurring around it. A crank scraper can also be added to clear the oil around the crank and direct it into the sump. The design of the oil pan itself can also help to control oil turbulence, with narrow deep sumps or pans with good baffling being effective at keeping the oil under control.

In addition to the windage tray and crank scraper, other internal features of an oil pan can also aid in oil control. For example, anti-slosh baffles are important in keeping the oil contained in the sump so that it does not get back into the rotating assembly. Trap-door baffles are one-way hinged baffles that allow oil to flow freely in one direction but restrict the flow if the oil tries to reverse direction. These baffles are critical in controlling the motion and location of the oil, especially in shallow pans with kickouts.

The material and shape of the oil pan can also impact oil turbulence. Steel pans are stronger, more robust, and easier to repair, while aluminum pans are lighter and offer better heat dissipation. The shape of the pan can also affect oil control, with deeper pans allowing oil to stack up over the pickup and giving it less room to move.

Extreme angles or forces

When it comes to extreme angles or forces, maintaining oil pressure can be challenging. Here are some detailed insights and recommendations to address this issue:

• Oil Pan Design: Choose an oil pan that helps control oil slosh. If ground clearance is crucial, opt for a pan with effective baffling and consider adding an Accusump Oil Accumulator. A deep sump oil pan can also be beneficial as it provides more volume for the oil to move, reducing the risk of the pickup being uncovered.
• Windage Management: Install a windage tray to direct draining oil away from the crank and towards the oil pan's sump. This helps prevent oil splashing back into the crank, reducing windage-related oil pressure issues.
• Performance Oil Pan: Invest in a performance oil pan, such as a deep-style wet sump oil pan or a dry sump system. The former allows oil to stack up over the pickup, restricting its movement. The latter, a dry sump system, completely removes oil from the pan and stores it in a separate baffled tank, ensuring a consistent oil supply.
• Accusump System: This system is ideal for situations where oil movement in the pan is unpredictable. It stores pressurized oil and discharges it when there is an interruption in the normal oil supply, helping to maintain oil pressure.
• Oil Volume: Ensure your engine has the correct oil volume. Use the dipstick to confirm the oil level is at the right height in the pan, taking into account any additional oil coolers or accessories.
• Off-Road Considerations: If you're dealing with extreme angles in off-road scenarios, consider solutions like an accumulator, which stores pressurized oil to provide lubrication during oil pressure loss. While it won't enable extended driving with no oil pressure, it can provide valuable time to regain control or shut down the engine safely.
• Custom Solutions: Some off-road enthusiasts have devised their own solutions, such as a secondary tank with cylinders and compressed gas to force oil towards the sump, even at extreme angles. However, these custom setups can be complex and may not always be reliable.

Remember, extreme angles or forces can lead to violent movement of oil in the pan, so it's crucial to implement effective solutions to maintain oil pressure and protect your engine.

Oil pan leaks

An oil pan leak can be caused by a worn-out gasket or impact damage. Symptoms of a leaking oil pan include a puddle of oil under your vehicle, a greasy oil pan and exhaust system after driving, low oil levels, and a burning smell coming from the engine compartment.

Puddle of Oil Underneath the Car

Engine oil dripping or pooling beneath your car can indicate a leaking oil pan or pan gasket. However, there are many other places your engine can leak from, so you’ll need to do some troubleshooting to determine the source of the leak. Double-check that nothing above the pan (e.g. valve cover gaskets, timing cover) is dripping down and tricking you into thinking that the pan is leaking.

Greasy Oil Pan and Exhaust System

Wash the oily area with brake parts cleaner and allow it to dry. Then, spray white foot powder or equivalent all over the suspected leak area. Start the engine and stay clear of moving and hot parts. You’ll likely spot the leak right away.

Low Oil Levels

A low oil warning light on your dashboard often indicates that something is wrong and needs to be investigated. Continuing to drive your vehicle after the oil light comes on can potentially damage the engine. You may also notice a low dipstick reading soon after changing your oil.

Burning Smell Coming From the Engine Compartment

When oil drips onto the outside of your engine, it creates an unpleasant burning smell. If you suddenly smell an acrid odour, you likely have a leak and may need to repair your oil pan.

Fixing an Oil Pan Leak

In most cases, to fix a leak from the oil pan area, you need to either replace the gasket or the oil pan itself. Sometimes, you may only need to replace the drain plug with a new one and/or install a new gasket. If the oil pan has holes, the best way to solve and prevent leaks is to replace it. However, if you don’t have time for a full replacement, you can close the hole with silicone or metal epoxy as a quick fix.

Frequently asked questions