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 the oil passages in the crankshaft to the connecting rods, then to the pistons and the cylinders. It then drains back to the oil pan. In the second path, the oil is pumped through the oil passages to the camshaft. The oil passes through the internal passageways in the camshafts to lubricate the valve assemblies before draining back to the oil pan.