Engine Lubrication

3.8L Lubrication System

The engine lubrication system is of the force-feed type in which oil is supplied under full pressure to the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings, hydraulic tappets and camshaft bearings. From the tappets, a controlled volume of oil is supplied to the rocker arms through the hollow push rods. All other moving parts are lubricated by gravity flow or splash. The rotary gear-type pump, which develops the oil pressure, is attached to the front cover assembly. The pump driven gear is rotated by the distributor shaft through an intermediate shaft. A full flow oil filter is externally mounted on the front cover and normally all engine oil passes through the filter element. However, if the element should become restricted, a spring-loaded bypass valve will open, allowing an uninterrupted flow of oil to the engine's moving parts.