Oil pumps vary in size, oil delivery capability, and overall design. Typically oil pumps are made of steel, have a
gear drive design, are powered by the engine, and are located inside the oil pan or crankcase. Special dry sump
oil pumps for high-performance applications are electrically powered and are usually located somewhere
inside the engine compartment. The reason for powering such pumps electrically is to take away the
mechanical drag of the traditional oil pump from the engine, resulting in higher engine output. The red fluid is
assembly lube.
Oil Pan
Engine oil (for the engine lubricating system) is housed in the oil pan, which is
sometimes called the crankcase. The crankshaft and connecting rods spin just
above the oil bath, drawing the precious lubricating fluid from its depths. The
oncoming rush of air over the oil pan from the forward motion of the vehicle
cools the oil as it circulates through the oil pan.