Engine oil pre-lube....

Why..?

are you reving the guts out of it at start up..?

"The longer it has been left between start-ups, the worse the situation. On the other hand, an engine that is always running and rarely (or never) allowed to get cold (eg: taxi, prime mover) can be seen to do considerable kilometers between motor rebuilds etc."

Srart it up, get the oil pressure up and drive sedately till all driveline components are at operating temp..it's not just engines, it's all mechanical interface components.

Unless you decide to run a 24hr taxi service,, it's pretty simple your not gunna get the kilometre/hour durabilty that taxi's get... in your 4wd, Falcodore or Hyundai.

Hi Roachie,

I have worked on engines that have used a similar system with an accumulator to provide instant oil pressure to a turbo. Also many large engines like 2000 HP and bigger use an electrically driven oil pump to prime the oil galleries before every startup. In these installations you need to consider items like crankshafts that can weigh a ton or more and if left idle the sheer weight can squeeze the thin film of oil out and allow the crank to rest directly on the bearing metal. On startup without that oil film considerable wear can take place. On smaller engines I don't think a system such as this would provide much extra protection with the possible exception of a turbo which can speed up to quite high revs if someone gives it a boot before the oil pressure has come up. A previous thread discussed "start and go" as opposed to "start and allow some time before going". Personally I don't advocate idling any engine for long periods but always allow some time for oil to start doing it's job.

Cheers Pop

So Bill ya reckon it will make a difference if the engine lasts 500K or 550K?

I don't think you will ever know if it did make a difference over that many Km's and that many years.

I'd prefer, like the diesels I work with to have an electric pump to prelube the engine prior to starting.
Its almost a bit snake-oilish, claim of amazing invention, prelubing engines has been around since Jesus was knee high to a grasshopper.
Using an accumulator in lieu of an electric pump is pulling a long bow as to invention.
This does have one advantage though that it doesn't draw power from the battery, however if the battery is insufficient to crank the engine to start it, but suffucient current to operate the solenoid, you've lost your one shot with the accumulator.
An electric powered pre-lube pump for me.

Cheers,
Dion.

VDO make an electric oil pump for doing this, might be simpler and smaller to fit.
Small gear setup - 12v part number 405040001001
I dont know performance specs though

Ive also seen a hand prime type, bit like an old fuel primer, loosen handle and pump till oil pressure registers, re lock handle and start normally

Electric version sounds better to me.

Thanks for all the replies so far......

I've been thinking (AGAIN!!!! hahaha) and am now wondering how I'd go if I hooked up an air pressure line to my oil pressure? I have a constant supply of air available (25 litre receiver tank always full or close to full @ 100psi). Amongst other things, this goes up to the front under bonnet area where it is connected to an ARB front locker. I was thinking that if I bought another ARB air solenoid switch, "T" off the existing line to the new solenoid switch, then to a regulator valve/gauge Air pressure regulator (set to 30psi or thereabouts), plus a check valave so oil wouldn't go back out of the engine when the pressure wasn't being applied to the line, then the air hose goes on to the fitting I have sandwiched between my primary oil filter and it's housing. This fitting (I bought off ebay), is one of those that has 4 threaded holes, to enable pressure/temp gauges to be mounted.
Oil filter adaptor
I have one of these adaptors fitted already and am only using 1 of the 4 available ports. If I hooked the air up to that, with a momentary contact switch, I could apply 30 psi air pressure into the engine while the glow plugs were doing their business. Doing it this way would mean I wouldn't have to use the pressure system every time I started the engine if I didn't want to.....only when I deemed it desireable (eg: when I knew the engine hadn't been fired up for a week or so).

Roachie.

There is a very easy solution to your problem, most heavy machinery operators pull the stop button while cranking until the oil light goes out. you could do the same by placing a switch in line with your stop solenoid. Eric

Simple fix.

Put a switch in line for the fuel solenoid, this will not allow the engine to start until you activate, when oil pressure light has gone out. As you wind the engine on the starter you can then allow the fuel solenoid to open. If you hide the switch you could use it as a anti theft device. If it has a mechanical stop, hold the stop out then release when oil pressure light has gone out.

Let you imagination run free and you could come up with a latching switch/ solenoid.

If you want to spend some money put in a Murphy gauge where you have to press the override button to allow the engine to fire when the oil pressure builds.

KenC

Gday Roachie
Looks good and sounds good to me.
Murray

if you are worried about yours then what about mine? sometimes it can sit for months without being started. i say just use good oil and filters and all will be good.