Re: Jon H...Chev 350 oil pres

Posted by txblu on February 25, 2005 at 07:43:59 from (209.151.116.198):

In Reply to: Re: Jon H...Chev 350 oil pres posted by Coloken on February 25, 2005 at 07:13:16:

Well taken. I have always pondered what you say and maybe I get surface tension and pressure confused.

Got me to thinking.

Since oil pressure runs in the 10's of psi and the pressure on the bearings of an engine like a 350 is probably in the 100's of psi, it's silly for me to think that the oil pressure is what's holding the metallic surfaces apart.

It has to be the surface tension of the oil; it's ability to stay between the metallic surfaces and not be squished out.

So that leaves (as you said) enough pressure (from the pump) to push the oil through the engine for cooling purposes.

Thinking more about different viscosities; Then it looks like the higher viscosities are necessary at higher temps to keep the oil thicker to keep the pressure up so that an adequate volume of oil can flow (be pushed) thru the engine to keep it cool (and to flush out any combustion crud).

If the oil doesn't flow adequately, the temp of the oil exceeds it's breakdown value (probably at the bearing surfaces), the oil breaks down, quits lubricating (looses it's surface tension characteristics), and you get engine wear.

Makes sense.

Thanks alot.

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