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Engine Pre-oiler

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John Kuzman

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In anticipation of springtime (if the snow ever stops), I just completed my usual oil/filter change. As I was buttoning things up, I thought about a recent thread on the perils of dry starting an engine. Realizing that my BJ7 has sat idle for nearly four months, I pulled the plugs and used the starter to build some oil pressure. Then it dawned on me; many years ago, I was involved in a drag racing venture. We installed a device that built oil pressure prior to every start. I did a quick search and found https://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/amk.aspx via google.
Has anyone considered such an application for their Healey? While the $400 price tag is steep, it might be worth the money to avoid dry starts on a vehicle that is driven for limited periods.
 
Is it worth $400 to you to avoid having to use the starter to build oil pressure once in a while? You don't really need to remove the plugs first. If so, go for it.
D
 
Believe me Dave, I am not challenging your statement, but how quickly is pressure established to provide sufficient lubrication while the engine, under compression, is hammering away? Factor in that the car has most likely been sitting for at least several weeks at a time. My BJ7 fires with just a touch of the starter button. Once started, I hold my breath as I watch the oil pressure gauge. I can finally exhale once I see pressure.
 
I would normally expect the engine to build enough pressure in 20 seconds of cranking. The oil pump is already primed. It just has to turn a bit to fill the empty spaces. I guess that for those with weak batteries, removing the plugs is OK. For no more often than it is started this way it probably doesn't matter much. Newly rebuilt engines excepted on the first start. I expect it can be argued either way though I haven't seen any actual lab tests on the subject.
D
 
Slightly more expensive option. Come and live in SW France and then you could use the car all year round!!
Not to mention ,the wine the cognac the food............

John
 
Good idea! You can also get a gizmo that will pull all the oil out, heat it up, put it back in, pressurize and then you start it up. However, for me, for a motor that has run before and not drained oil from the pump,(nor the bearing surfaces that are really the major wear factor) pulling the plugs and cranking till you see pressure and then starting, should be a wonderful safety option! IMHO. I second that cognac and wine emotion!
 
Another oiling option is a pressurized oil accumulator like an Accusump, Moroso, Masterlube or similar. Originally meant to prevent oil pressure loss during short duration, high-G maneuvers in race engines they fill while the engine runs and release oil back when pressure is lost. Some people add valves and use them for pre-oiling and/or post-oiling.

I'm not one for wine or cognac but the scenery and food of SW France sure sound appetizing. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif


PC.
 
Why don't we switch from mechanical to electric like we did fuel pumps? Then we could run it breifly before starting. A bit like glow plugs.

Happy Healeying,
Walter
 
John,

Eastwood sells a one shot pre oiler that comes in a pressurized can. It has a fitting that screws into the oil gauge port in the block. Screw it in, release the contents, and all oil galleys are primed. When I used it, oil was actually squirting 10 or 12 inches out of the rocker assembly.

Cost is approx $22.00 including shipping.

Ray
 
[ QUOTE ]
John,
When I used it, oil was actually squirting 10 or 12 inches out of the rocker assembly.
Ray

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Ray,
If you are refering to a Healey, this is a sure indication that the rocker arm bushings &/or shaft is worn or not fitted correctly. On an engine in good condition there will only be a slight dribble of oil from the rockers no matter how high the pressure. This much flow will cause oil control problems & excess consumption. The rocker arm assembly needs to have new, properly fitted bushings. With the engine warmed up & the cover off, the flow will be even more excessive.
D
 
[ QUOTE ]
John,

Eastwood sells a one shot pre oiler that comes in a pressurized can.
Cost is approx $22.00 including shipping.


[/ QUOTE ]

I will search this out on the Eastwood site! That sounds worth it!......Buy "one-shot", I guess that means one use only, as opposed to the acusump idea, which I used to have on my MINI Cooper racecar, that worked absolutely great! But, you did have to remember to get it pressurized and then close the valve to hold the oil in the sump!

That thing for $22. would be worth it after an engine rebuild! very cool /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif good tip! - Thanks!
 
Ray - I can't find it!.....only found 3 pre oilers - 2 or 3 quart, permanent mount. $299.99 and up.

Do you have a part number for that?

or, a link?
Best regards,
 
[ QUOTE ]
Ray - I can't find it!.....only found 3 pre oilers - 2 or 3 quart, permanent mount. $299.99 and up.

Do you have a part number for that?

[/ QUOTE ]

46249 Z
 
Yep Dave is absolutly right,no wonder you cant get any oil pressure up.---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
46249 Z

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks!
 
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