I read that a car engine uses a "spring-loaded pressure relief valve" to prevent excessive engine oil pressure

Question

is this valve a part of the oil pump? i've never heard of this valve and have never had one replaced, 3 cars 350,000 miles

Answer 1

there is a bypass valve in the oil filter s well as a spring bypass in most oil pumps.

it is such a simple device that they hardly ever would fail.

just a ball bearing pushed into a o*****e using a spring.

Answer 2

Yup.

Answer 3

Yes on most engines it is part of the oil pump. Without it, it is possible to build enough pressure to blow the oil filter a part. And at the very least blow some engine seals.

Don't be surprised you have never had one replaced. Most people would never have any reason to have one replaced. Some people have tried to alter this spring in an attempt to regain lost oil pressure. In most cases, the loss of oil pressure is from excessive clearances between bearings and the crankshaft.

Always remember. An oil pump only created flow! NOT pressure. Pressure is created by restriction such as main bearings. When these restrictions become less through wear then the pressure is lost.

A better way to look at it is to hold your thumb over the end of a hose. The pressure in the hose increases from the resistance. If you move your thumb a little the resistance decreases and the pressure drops. If you kept your thumb there, the hose would blow a part if there was enough flow.