Oil pressure reducing valve: what is needed, how it works

In the engine of the car to create the necessaryThe oil pump is used in the lubrication system. By means of pressure, all parts and components of the power unit that are in motion are lubricated. In the system itself, where there is a dry sump, the pump also performs the work. It carries out the function of transporting oil into the reservoir from the crankcase of the motor. The pump is driven by a crankshaft or drive shaft. By the type of control, the oil pumps can be divided into adjustable and unregulated ones. What are their differences? An oil pump with the possibility of regulation can maintain a constant pressure level due to a change in performance. In the event that an unregulated mechanism is used, then the pressure relief valve maintains a constant pressure pressure. Let's look at what these elements are intended for, how they are arranged and how they work.

By the way, despite the small size, thisThe device plays a very important role in the engine and lubrication system. If this valve is clogged, there is a risk of cranking the liners in the motor. This threatens the engine out of order.

What is a pressure reducing valve?

This element is nothing more than,as a hydraulic or pneumatic throttle. It functions in automatic mode. An element is designed to maintain the pressure of a certain output force. There are several types of mechanisms.

This is an oil pressure reducing valve with control via a pneumatic or electric drive or an element with direct action. The latter does not need external power supplies and drives.

Functions of pressure reducing valves

The first and main task, which solvespressure reducing valve, - creating and maintaining a certain pressure level. It must be constantly monitored. Any, even the most minimal excess of this value lead to sad consequences. Important parts of the engine may malfunction. But also it is impossible, that pressure was too low. Insufficient level will lead to overheating of engine components and parts. There will be oil starvation.

To avoid all these problems, engineersdeveloped and created a pressure reducing valve. At first glance it may seem that this is a simple mechanism that is actually not needed. But this is not so. If there is no such valve in the engine, then the normal operation of the power unit becomes simply impossible. The main purpose of this mechanism is to continuously monitor the oil pressure in the system, as well as to reduce or increase the parameters as necessary. The pressure adjustment and the valve operation principle consist in opening and closing the oil passage. When the mechanism is open, the level will not go down. If the element is closed, then in the event of a pressure drop, the lubrication system will be restored.

Principle of operation

Considering the arrangement of this mechanism,It is impossible not to mention the principle of operation by which the valve works. The algorithm of operation is quite simple. The main body, through which the process of adjusting the force of pressure, is a special stop bolt. It is this element that presses the spring and thereby presses the oil pressure reducing valve directly to the opening.

After the pressure in the system rises (and the permissiblethe level will be lower), the oil will overcome the force of the spring. Thus, the valve will be squeezed out. Due to this, the oil will pass into a special container or compartment. After the pressure level has stabilized and the level returns to normal by means of a spring, the valve will return to its original state. The engine will be able to continue working in normal mode. The fuel pressure reducing valve functions on the same principle. It performs the same tasks. However, it is installed together with fuel pump on diesel engines.

About construction

This mechanism is arranged quite simply. It is a small-sized casing, in which there are special channels for the movement of oil. Also the design includes a spring, a stem and a regulator. The latter is a small ball or a piston. The operation of the reduction valve is reduced to the timely termination and prevention of pressure buildup in the car lubrication system. The main feature of this system is that the device with the most simple design can effectively perform its work. The element fails very rarely.

Valve Types by Device

Modern industry offers a devicein two variants. In the first case, this mechanism can be located in the body of the oil pump. In the second element is a separate detail. Here, dismantling of the mechanism, repair, as well as adjustment of the reduction valve are available. The system is well thought out. But even such simple and reliable mechanisms sometimes fail. Problems in the work of the element can be expensive for the owner of the car.

Where is it located?

Beginning car owners, and sometimes experienced, do not know where the pressure reducer is located.

You can find this part in the lower front partengine block. Most often the valve is behind the generator drive pulley. Sometimes this element is installed directly on the body of the oil filter.

Operating pressure

So, it became more clear what constitutesthis mechanism. But how to determine that the pressure in the oil system is changing? And what should be the optimal value? The normal pressure values ​​are indicated in the user's manual. For each car, you write your own parameter.

For example, at "Tavria" the valve operates at 0.55MPa. Approximately at the same level, the pressure reduction valve for VAZ-2110 oil will work. How to measure the pressure level? To do this, use a special liquid-type manometer. It is connected to the seat for the pressure sensor. Before the measurements, the motor should be well warmed up. Measurements are made on the running motor. For example, let's take the oil pressure reduction valve, 406 engine. Here the optimal parameter is 4.6 kgf / cm².

Typical malfunctions

Several basic and frequentProblems that can arise with pressure reducing valves. They manifest themselves in two aspects. The first case - the valve can not keep the normalized oil pressure level. Most often, such malfunctions occur due to mechanical failures. The most vulnerable and problematic element in this system is the spring. In the process of operation, and especially long-term operation, the spring is stretched. Due to this, the valve will be opened unauthorized at minimum levels of lubricant pressure increase. Oil simply can not get to most of the units and mechanisms of the power unit. This reduces their resource.

Among the main causes of malfunctions that occur with the spring, you can identify operational wear, improper installation of the element after major repairs, errors in the installation of the valve.

In the second variant, the valve does not open whenreaching high or maximum pressure. This happens due to clogging of the oil channel. The reason - a long period of operation. As a result, the valve will clinch when high pressures are reached. As a result, the element will not open. The result - the impossibility of lubricating moving and rubbing mechanisms and assemblies in the engine and their destruction. The reason for this malfunction is that the oil has not been replaced in time. It can be explained very simply, but the elimination of the problem is a difficult process. The smallest particles of dirt will accumulate on the surface of the valve, thereby increasing the size of the build-up. Because of poor quality flushing, the chips will accumulate chips and other debris.

Repair and adjustment

To understand if the valve is OK and can it befurther to operate, it is necessary to dismantle the device and disassemble it. In this way, you can diagnose all parts of the mechanism. If sediments are formed on the valve body, they are cleaned with a mixture of gasoline and kerosene. You can apply a liquid to rinse the carburettors. Also, you should carefully diagnose the spring. If it is stretched or there are traces of deformation on it, the part must be replaced.

When the valve is fully inspected andit is necessary to check if it works. This is done by simply pressing on the piston or ball. If pressure is necessary to force the piston into engagement, and after the piston returns back, then the mechanism is working. The adjustment process is carried out after the mechanism is installed in the pump casing. Adjust the device by squeezing or releasing the spring using an adjusting screw or a stop screw. In parallel with the rotation of the screw, measure the oil pressure with a liquid manometer. To regulate it is necessary on the unblocked power unit. And here to make gaugings, on the contrary, on the working motor.