FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Oil Pan: Description and Operation

OIL PAN
The engine oil pan is mounted to the bottom of the cylinder block. The engine oil pan houses the crankcase and is made of cast aluminum.
Engine oil is pumped from the oil pan by the oil pump. After it passes through the oil filter, it is fed through two paths to lubricate the cylinder block and the cylinder head. In one path, the oil is pumped through oil passages in the crankshaft to the connecting rods, and to the pistons and cylinders. It then drains back to the oil pan. In the second path, the oil is pumped through passages to the camshaft. The oil passes through the internal passage ways in the camshafts to lubricate the valve assemblies before draining back to the oil pan.