Engine lubrication systems and crankcase ventilation — description and maintenance (Opel Ascona C)

1. Oil pressure is provided by a gear oil pump driven from the front end of the crankshaft. The crankshaft is specially provided with chamfers for this purpose.

2. The pump takes oil from the sump through an oil intake pipe with a mesh filter and delivers it under pressure through the oil filter and oil lines to the friction surfaces of the engine.

3. The pressure regulator valve is screwed into the oil pump housing. The relief valve, located on the oil filter mounting base, opens when the filter becomes clogged, which may be caused by insufficient maintenance. The oil pressure switch is screwed into the pump housing (see photo).



4. Lubrication of the cylinders is achieved by splashing oil taken from the sump.

5. In hydraulic tappets, the oil is under pressure, which allows for optimal valve clearances under all conditions. On 1.6 and 1.8 engines, the oil pressure in the tappets is regulated by a special valve located in the cylinder head (see photo).





6. The crankcase ventilation system is designed to remove oil vapors and associated gas (working gas passed through piston rings) from the crankcase to the air cleaner, from where they return to the engine and are burned there during the normal combustion cycle.

7. On 1.3 engines, the crankcase ventilation system includes an oil separator bolted to the cylinder block. Although not a maintenance item, the oil separator can be removed for cleaning (see photo).



8. On 1.6 and 1.8 engines, one of the crankcase ventilation hoses is connected to the camshaft cover (see photo). There is a filter inside the lid that should be cleaned periodically in kerosene.





9. On all engines, the breather hoses should be cleaned periodically and replaced as necessary.