What is the function and principle of the car engine oil filter?
The oil filter element is the core component of the oil filter. Its main function is to filter out impurities in the oil to keep it clean, thereby protecting the engine from wear and tear. Its working principle relies on the synergy of multiple physical filtration mechanisms.
The working principle of the oil filter element
Mechanical separation (core filtering method): The internal structure of the oil filter element uses specially treated filter paper impregnated with resin and subjected to heat curing. When the oil pump forces the oil with impurities into the filter, the oil is forced through the tiny pores of the filter paper under pressure. Metal debris, dust, carbon particles, gums, and other impurities in the oil, which are larger in size than the filter paper pores, are retained and adsorbed on the outer or inner side of the filter paper, while the clean oil flows out from the center of the filter paper and re-enters the lubrication system of the engine.
Emergency backup by the bypass valve: When the filter element is severely clogged with impurities or during cold engine start-up when the oil viscosity is high, the bypass valve at the bottom of the filter element will open. At this time, the oil will bypass the clogged filter paper and directly flow into the main oil passage to ensure that the key components of the engine do not suffer from lack of oil and damage. However, it should be noted that at this time, the oil has not undergone filtration and will re-spray some of the retained impurities into the engine, causing secondary wear.
Auxiliary filtration technology: In addition to the mainstream mechanical filtration, some high-performance filter elements also combine other technologies to enhance filtration efficiency:
Magnetic adsorption: Magnetic iron particles in the oil are specifically adsorbed by setting magnets inside the filter element. These particles are usually small and highly hard, causing significant damage to the engine.
Centrifugal separation: In some heavy-duty vehicles or specially designed filter elements, a分流式 centrifugal filter is used. It utilizes the oil pressure to drive the rotor to rotate at high speed， relying on centrifugal force to separate the denser impurities towards the inner wall of the rotor， achieving efficient separation.
Collaboration of key components： The reliability of the filter element also depends on other key components：
Check valve (recirculation suppression valve)： After the engine is turned off， it prevents the oil from flowing back into the oil pan， ensuring that there is oil in the filter element for the next start-up， reducing cold start wear.
Sealing ring： It must be oil-resistant and heat-resistant to ensure that the oil does not leak from the edge of the filter element.
In conclusion， the oil filter element is not a simple "screen"， but a precise system that integrates mechanical filtration， emergency backup， and auxiliary adsorption. By continuously removing harmful substances from the oil， it provides a clean lubrication environment for the engine， reducing wear at the source and extending the engine's lifespan.
The damage to the oil filter element (i.e.， the oil filter) will have a series of significant impacts on the normal operation of the engine， mainly in terms of lubrication， pressure， performance， and safety.
Main impacts
Abnormal oil pressure and alarm： When the filter element is clogged， it will hinder the normal flow of oil， causing the oil pressure to drop and triggering the oil indicator light on the dashboard. In extreme cases， when the filter element is completely clogged or the filter material collapses， it may trigger an oil pressure alarm.
Poor engine lubrication： When the filter element fails， it cannot effectively filter out metal debris， carbon deposits， and dust in the oil， which will enter the engine randomly and cause abnormal wear of components such as cylinders， piston rings， and crankshafts， and in severe cases， lead to engine seizure， seizing of the shaft， or even.
Decreased engine performance： Poor oil flow will result in insufficient lubrication， increased friction within the engine， manifested as driving weakness， slow acceleration， and increased fuel consumption. At the same time， poor lubrication may also cause increased noise.
Engine stalling and shaking： During driving or gear shifting， due to insufficient oil supply， the engine may experience obvious shaking； at idle speed， it is more likely to experience unexpected stalling. Oil burning phenomenon: When the oil circulation is blocked, some of the oil is consumed excessively in the high-temperature environment, which may lead to oil burning. This is manifested as blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe and excessive oil consumption.
Oil temperature rise: The reduction in lubrication efficiency and increased friction cause the oil temperature to rise abnormally, accelerating the aging of the oil and further reducing its protective performance.
Oil leakage risk: Reasons such as damaged filter housing, aging sealing ring, improper installation (such as no oil applied, double sealing ring, or incompatible threads) can all lead to oil leakage. This not only pollutes the environment but also may cause more serious engine failures due to insufficient oil.
Start-up difficulty: If the oil filter is not replaced regularly or is severely clogged, the oil flow rate and volume will significantly decrease, resulting in insufficient fuel supply during cold start and causing start-up difficulties.
Important reminder
The oil filter is the "guardian" of the engine. Its function is to filter impurities and keep the oil clean. Using counterfeit or substandard products, not replacing it on time, or installing it improperly (such as no oil applied, double sealing ring, or incompatible threads) will greatly increase the risks mentioned above. It is recommended to strictly follow the vehicle maintenance manual requirements and replace the genuine and high-quality oil filter regularly to ensure the long-term healthy operation of the engine.
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