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12/13/2022
This vehicle component is often misunderstood and neglected due to its inconspicuous placement. So, Best-Synthetic-Oils.Com shares this thorough guide on crankcase operation and structure. Read on!

If you notice that your engine is due for some new oil, call Best-Synthetic-Oils.Com in Turtletown. Dial (678) 787-3028 or browse AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for premium synthetic oil formulas.

What's the Car's Crankcase?

As mentioned earlier, the crankcase tends to go under the radar due to its discreet location. But the placement doesn't mean it's not a crucial part of your vehicle's mechanism. For example, this device closes the lower block, which is vital for optimate operation. Most importantly, this component stores the oil to lubricate the engine, so you'll see how essential the crankcase operation is to keep the car moving.

The Crankcase's Historical Origin

J. Harrison Carter invented this special compartment to house the oil. When treated right, this device will be long-lasting and reliable in keeping optimal lubrication levels in the vehicle. The crankcase is often associated with vehicles with combustion engines. But, it was first used on the Sumbean bicycle in 1895 to keep its chain lubricated. How peculiar! Isn't it?

How to Spot the Crankcase

The crankcase is a concave-shaped container made of sheet steel or aluminum alloys to contain the engine's liters of oil. You can find this device in four-stroke engines. Yet, it's worth noting that you won't find the crankcase in two-stroke motors. In these engines, the oil is in the same reserve as the gasoline. The crankcase is in the lower part of the engine, right under the crankshaft and the connecting rods. This placement ensures the oil falls into the container by the mere force of gravity. Once it travels through the engine, the oil pump provides a healthy flow and repeats the cycle.

If you're soon to change your car's oil, pick the most reliable products for this task. Call Best-Synthetic-Oils.Com in Turtletown at (678) 787-3028 to get custom oil tips to meet your vehicle's needs.

The Role of the Crankcase

The crankcase has several functions. Though all are pretty simple, they are essential to ensure proper performance in the following procedures:

Collecting Oil

For instance, it collects the oil with the help of its bucket shape and location. This system allows oil drainage from the engine and retains it so the pump can suck it back up. The dipstick to check the car's oil level ends up in the crankcase. It's worth noting that it has specific nooks and crannies, so it's not the same in all vehicles. This ensures that the curve's inertia and braking motions, which move the liquid from one side to another, don't cut off the oil supply to the pump. Lastly, the pump collects the lubricant in the lower part and sends it to the engine. This pattern is what you should understand as proper crankcase operation.

Oil Cooling

The oil heats up on its way through the engine block. It cools down when it passes through the crankcase to make its way back to the engine block. These temperature changes require aluminum or magnesium alloys to dissipate heat better than traditional options. Luckily, these metal options are used in most modern cars.

The Crankcase Protects the Engine

This device works as an airtight box. It houses the crankshaft, connecting rod, and pistons. Thanks to the crankcase, these parts are kept away from dirt and other external elements that could damage them. It also provides a rock-solid structure to the engine block. The crankcase is partly responsible for preventing engine components from wearing out early. So, by allowing proper lubrication, this device protects the oil condition and ensures adequate flow.

The Elements of the Crankcase

The crankcase is usually divided into two main parts:

The Upper Crankcase

This refers to the uppermost half, which bolts to the engine block. Its rigidity can deal with the vibrations generated by the combustion engine movements. That's why sometimes it's also screwed to the gearbox, increasing the case's stability and stiffness.

The Lower Sump

This is commonly known as the oil pan. This element is set with screws to the upper sump and has a bucket shape to house the car's oil. At the base is the sump plug to drain the oil when necessary. This is the primary division that you can make of a crankcase. Hopefully, this post has helped you understand the structure and purpose of this component. Now, all that's left to do is feed your engine with the correct oil and additives to keep your car moving.

AMSOIL's Synthetic Compressor Oil - ISO 46, SAE 20 can help you optimize your vehicle's oil cycle! This high-end formula compresses the oil and supplies maximum protection in extreme temperatures.

Before giving your car an oil change, stop by the AMSOIL website and place an order. Or, call Best-Synthetic-Oils.Com in Turtletown at (678) 787-3028 to get premium products to maintain your vehicle.