The engine's oil pump is located on the front of the engine and is driven by flats on the crankshaft. Oil is pulled from the oil pan into the gerotor pump. The pump forces oil under pressure to the oil filter. A regulator valve mounted in the front cover oil outlet regulates oil pressure and vents excess back to the inlet side of the oil pump.
Oil enters the filter and is routed through the main oil gallery in the engine cylinder block. The engine oil filter has both an anti-drainback valve and a by-pass valve. The anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the engine's oil galleries when it is not running and the by-pass valve allows oil to by-pass or flow around the filter's paper element if it should become plugged.
Engine oil leaving the pump flows through the cylinder block main oil gallery and is pressure fed to the main and connecting rod bearings. Oil then flows to the cylinder head and lubricates the camshaft, hydraulic lifters and rocker arms. Air is bled out during initial starting.
Mounted on the oil pump housing is the oil pressure sensor. When the oil pressure drops too low, the sensor grounds the electrical circuit for the warning lamp in the instrument cluster.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

• You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.

• Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.

• The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.

• You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.

• You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

Safety Warning

Lubrication System

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

When to See a Mechanic

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