Lubrication system

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Lincoln MKC. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The engine lubrication system is of the force-feed type in which oil is supplied under full pressure to the crankshaft, connecting rod bearings, timing chain tensioners, camshaft bearing caps and VCT solenoids. The flow of oil to the valve tappets and valve train is controlled by a restricting orifice located in the cylinder head gasket.

The lubrication system is designed to provide optimum oil flow to critical components of the engine through its entire operating range.

The heart of the system is a positive displacement internal gear oil pump.

Generically, this design is known as a gerotor pump, and operates as follows:

The oil pump is chain driven off of the crankshaft.
System pressure is limited by an integral, internally-vented relief valve which directs the bypassed oil back to the inlet side of the oil pump.
Oil pump displacement has been selected to provide adequate volume to make sure of correct oil pressure both at hot idle and maximum speed.
The relief valve calibration protects the system from excessive pressure during high-viscosity conditions.
The relief valve is designed to provide adequate connecting rod bearing lubrication under high temperature and high-speed conditions.

The active oil filter adapter is equipped with an oil pressure sensor and an oil control solenoid. The sensor measures system oil pressure and can activate the oil control solenoid to bleed off excess oil pressure to the oil pan. This reduces oil pump friction and improves fuel mileage.