maximum engine tilt angle

[amorrison]

When a vehicle is going up/down a very steep (say 45 degrees) hill the oil in the crankcase goes to one end.

Does SAE have spec's on this? What is the maximum angle?

 

[GregLocock]

Depends on the vehicle. I don't think the SAE actually has a spec, it tends to define testing methods more than standards. The individual car companies then use those methods and set their own standards.

And I wouldn't try even 30 degrees in a normal car, unless you're on the top line on the dipstick.



Cheers

Greg Locock

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[franzh]

In the far corners of one of the research labs I frequent, there is an old Chrysler 354 Hemi, circa roughly 1956, mounted vertically, with large pipes from both valve covers, the oil pan, etc, extending to a sump. The carburetor is mounted on a 90 degree adapter.
The engine is connected to a vertical shaft irrigation pump.
Greg is right, the cars we see on TV doing the rough rock climbing use special oil pans with baffles, swinging oil pickups, or even dry sump.
Franz

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[Azmio]

There are requirements from car companies for the engine to be able to withstand 1 g acceleration in all 4 direction for few minutes with oil volume at low level.

The oil sump is very difficult to design but not impossible. The design is later verified by tilting the engine at 45 degree or more in all 4 directions.

Baffle plate or windage tray is not enough to pass these tests. It's the design of oil pan and the location of the oil pick up that make the difference.