Oil Pan

The oil pan, normally made of thin sheet metal or aluminum, bolts to the bottom of the engine block. It holds a supply of oil for the lubrication system. The oil pan is fitted with a screw-in drain plug for oil changes. Baffles may be used to keep the oil from splashing around in the pan.

The sump is the lowest area in the oil pan where oil collects. As oil drains from the engine, it fills the sump. Then the oil pump can pull oil out of the pan for recirculation.