You become a responsible car owner by properly and routinely servicing your vehicle, lowering the likelihood of costly engine failure. A jammed oil pressure relief valve is one of the problems an engine could have, and if it is not addressed immediately, it might seriously harm the engine.
Fortunately, you can unstick an oil pressure relief valve without taking your vehicle to the shop. Let us look at various do-it-yourself solutions to this painful issue.
What Functions of the Oil Pressure Relief Valve?
An oil pressure relief valve sometimes referred to as a pressure-relieving or stress valve, is a safety device that controls the oil pressure within an automobile’s engine. The valve’s main job is to guard the engine against harm from high oil pressure.
The valve, commonly found in the oil pump or at the base of the oil filter, is fundamentally made of a spring-loaded piston or diaphragm housed in a housing. When the oil pressure surpasses the spring’s current amount, the piston or diaphragm is intended to open.
The engine’s internal lubrication system is partially bypassed when the valve opens, allowing some oil to return to the oil pan. This reduces the system’s pressure, protecting the engine’s internal parts, such as bearings, crankshafts, and camshafts.
The spring-loaded piston and diaphragm will shut the valve whenever the oil pressure reaches a safe level, resuming regular lubrication. Depending on the engine’s oil pressure requirements, the valve is built to open and shut many times per second, ensuring that the engine always gets the proper quantity of oil at the proper pressure.
It is important to remember that if the oil pressure relief valve is stuck in the open position, the engine will not have enough oil pressure to adequately lubricate the internal components, which may cause serious engine damage. A broken pressure relief valve might also result in low oil pressure, which can harm the engine.
Causes of an Oil Pressure Relief Valve That Is Stuck
A car’s oil pressure relief valve may become stuck for several reasons, including the following:
Debris Accumulation
Over time, the valve may get blocked and stop working properly due to the accumulation of material, such as dirt and metal shavings. The valve may get stuck in the closed or open position. As a result, resulting in inadequate or excessive oil pressure.
Worn-out parts
The valve’s spring, piston, or diaphragm may eventually get worn down and lose its capacity to function correctly while opening and closing. Due to this, the valve may get stuck in the open or closed position, resulting in inadequate or excessive oil pressure.
Lack of Maintenance
The oil pressure relief valve may get filthy or blocked due to a lack of routine maintenance. Moreover, if the oil is not changed often, dirt and debris may accumulate and cause the valve to stick.
Overheating
The oil may degrade and lose its ability to effectively lubricate its internal components due to an overheated engine. The valve parts may suffer from severe wear and tear and get stuck.
Oil Contamination
The valve may stick due to water, gasoline, or other pollutants in the oil. These impurities may harm and corrode the valve’s internal parts, increasing the likelihood of sticking.
How to Remove a Stuck Oil Pressure Reliever
Although it is not the easiest job, you can unstick an oil pressure relief valve by yourself without having to drive your vehicle to the shop if you follow these instructions:
- Start by gathering the necessary equipment, such as a wrench or socket set, a clean cloth or towel, and a container to collect spilled oil.
- You can usually find the oil pressure relief valve in the oil pump or at the base of the oil filter. Find it in your automobile.
- Make careful to empty the engine’s oil before you start to avoid any oil leaks when you remove the valve.
- Use a socket or a wrench to remove the valve from its housing. Be cautious while removing it to avoid damaging the housing or the threads.
- Using a clean cloth or towel, carefully clean the valve once it has been taken apart, paying close attention to the spring, piston, and/or diaphragm.
- Check the valve for any defects, such as a worn spring, a harmed piston, or a harmed diaphragm. Replace the damaged valve if necessary.
- A low-pressure setting on the blow gun should be selected before connecting the air hose to the air compressor, blow gun, or nozzle.
- Apply a little air pressure to the valve with the blow gun, taking care not to harm the valve or any of its parts.
- After cleaning and inspecting it for damage, put it back into its housing and tighten it up.
- Refill the oil and look for any leaks after the valve’s reinstallation.
- Make the oil pressure within the usual range by starting the engine and checking the oil pressure indicator.
To prevent any engine damage, it is essential to send your automobile to a competent technician if you are not comfortable doing tasks of this kind.
How Does a Stuck Oil Pressure Relief Valve Affect Things?
When the oil pressure release valve gets blocked, the oil pressure may increase and create several issues. One of the key issues is the risk of internal engine damage from excessive oil pressure, including damage to bearings, crankshafts, and camshafts. The engine may suffer from greater deterioration and potentially seize due to this.
A bearing is the most common component to be harmed by high oil pressure. An engine breakdown and expensive repairs might result from the bearings failing altogether or prematurely wearing out due to the increased pressure.
A jammed oil pressure relief valve might result in oil leaks, which is another issue. If the valve is locked in the open position, oil might leak from the engine, decreasing the oil level and increasing the risk of engine damage. Leaks of oil may contaminate the environment by seeping into the earth and causing pollution.
Depending on the oil pressure release valve’s position, it may also result in low oil pressure. If the valve is jammed closed, it may impede oil flow to the engine, decreasing oil pressure. Low oil pressure may result in inadequate lubrication of the engine’s internal components, which increases wear and tear and the possibility of engine failure.
It is important to remember that an oil pressure relief valve should be changed immediately if it becomes blocked to prevent harm to the engine. Regular maintenance, such as regularly replacing the oil and filter, may reduce valve sticking and increase valve longevity.
Additionally, it is crucial to frequently check the engine’s oil level and get the oil pressure checked by a qualified technician if you think there could be a problem.
Conclusion
Your engine may suffer from increased wear and tear, leakage, and pollution due to a stuck oil pressure relief valve.
If you discover a problem with the oil pressure in your car, you may attempt to unstick the valve by applying some air pressure or cleaning the valve. However, if you do not feel comfortable doing this, you should bring your car to a qualified technician for help.
Frequent maintenance, such as regular oil changes, may also aid in extending the lifetime of the valve and preventing it from sticking in the first place.
