A wet sump engine is a type of internal combustion engine where the engine's lubricating oil is stored in a reservoir, or sump, located at the bottom of the engine. In this design, the oil is pumped from the sump to various engine components to provide lubrication and cooling.
Here's how a wet sump engine typically operates:
Oil Reservoir: The engine's oil is stored in a pan or sump located at the bottom of the engine. The sump is typically integrated with the engine's oil pump.
Oil Pump: The oil pump, usually driven by the engine's crankshaft, draws oil from the sump and pressurizes it. It then delivers the pressurized oil to various engine components through a network of oil passages.
Lubrication: The pressurized oil is distributed to lubricate critical engine parts such as bearings, pistons, cylinders, camshafts, and valve train components. The oil forms a thin film between moving parts to reduce friction, dissipate heat, and prevent metal-to-metal contact.
Cooling: As the oil flows through the engine, it absorbs heat from the engine components, helping to regulate their temperature. The heated oil then circulates back to the sump, where it dissipates heat through contact with the engine block and oil pan.
Oil Filtration: Wet sump engines usually incorporate an oil filter to remove impurities and contaminants from the oil as it circulates. The oil filter helps maintain the cleanliness and effectiveness of the lubricating oil.
One advantage of a wet sump engine is its relative simplicity and compactness. The oil is stored within the engine, eliminating the need for an external oil reservoir or oil lines. Additionally, wet sump systems are generally more cost-effective to manufacture and maintain compared to dry sump systems, which have a separate oil reservoir.
In such situations, the oil can slosh away from the oil pickup, leading to a temporary loss of oil pressure and potential engine damage. To mitigate this, some high-performance motorcycles and racing vehicles may opt for dry sump systems, where the oil is stored in a separate reservoir to ensure a constant supply of oil under extreme conditions.