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Oil System Upkeep: Control Heat and Flow

The oil system on most light aircraft engines is simple and mostly effective. Most systems are of a wet sump, low-pressure design. Typically, the oil reservoir (or sump) is located within or attached to the lower part of the crankcase and oil is continuously returned by gravity to the sump after the oil has done its job of lubricating and cooling.

Other than changing the engine’s oil and watching for drips of it on the hangar floor, you may not pay much attention to the engine’s lubrication system as a whole. It is a major system with critical hoses, fittings, oil cooler and pump, to name a few components.

While you might leave the maintenance of those items up to your shop or mechanic, there are specific things you should do and understand about the engine’s oil circulation system. Here’s a technician’s overview.