Understanding Oil Pumps in IC Engines

Oil pumps are crucial components in Internal Combustion (IC) engines. Their primary function is to circulate lubricating oil to various parts of the engine, such as the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and valves. This lubrication reduces friction, cools engine parts, cleans surfaces by carrying away debris, and helps seal the combustion chamber.

Common Types of Oil Pumps Used in IC Engines

Several types of positive displacement pumps are commonly employed as oil pumps in IC engines due to their ability to deliver oil under pressure regardless of engine speed (to a certain extent). The most common types include:

• Gear Type Oil Pump: These pumps use meshing gears to trap and move oil. They are known for their reliability, simplicity, and high flow rate. Both internal and external gear pumps are used.
• Vane Type Oil Pump: These pumps use vanes that slide within a rotor mounted eccentrically inside a housing. As the rotor turns, the vanes trap oil and push it out as the volume changes. They are often used where variable flow might be needed, though less common as main engine oil pumps than gear types.
• Plunger Type Oil Pump: These pumps (also known as piston pumps) use one or more reciprocating plungers or pistons to pump the oil. They are often used in older or specific engine designs, or for delivering oil to specific high-pressure points.

Identifying the Pump Type NOT Used

Reviewing the options provided:

• Vane type oil pump: This is a recognized type used in some engine lubrication systems.
• Plunger type oil pump: This is a recognized type used in some engine lubrication systems, particularly historically or for specific applications.
• Gear type oil pump: This is a very common and widely used type of oil pump in modern IC engines.
• Row type oil pump: This term, "Row type oil pump", is not a standard or recognized classification for oil pumps used in Internal Combustion engines for lubrication purposes.

Based on standard automotive and mechanical engineering terminology, 'Row type oil pump' is not a type of oil pump typically used in an IC engine.