Seeking help selecting a Pre-Luber...

[lotusguy]

Hi all,

I have decided to purchase and install a pre-luber on my '85 Lotus Esprit Turbo to protect and prolong the rebuild I did last summer.

I have researched a couple of available units, they range from $200-$600USD. There are at least two types of pre-luber on the market. My knowledge & experience is limited about these, so I am asking anyone who has one, has used one in the past, knows of a model/make of pre-luber (preferably with a link) please let me know.

Information on a Make/Model (Especially any UK models), installation, price, and general impressions of having used one would be very helpful and much appreciated. TIA...Jim '85TE

[calseight]

I run a 3.5 liter Rover V8 with a non-baffled sump in my Westfield SEiGHT. I use the car for both track and street. To avoid oil starvation on the track, I fitted the car with an Accusump, made by Canton and equipped with an electric valve. The Accusump "T's" into the oil line after it leaves the remote oil filter and passes through a one-way valve. This assures oil delivery to the bearings for some time even if the oil pump's pick up sees only air. Since the electric valve is in series with the feed to the Accusump and lets oil flow only when the ignition is on, the Accusump retains oil under pressure when the engine is shut off. So when the ignition is later turned on, the valve opens and the Accusump acts as a pre-luber. (There, I've finally gotten to the point of this note.)

The arrangement works well. The only down side I note is that my engine, being a bit ratty, runs widely varying oil pressure -- from 10 psi at hot idle to 50 psi when cold. With a 3 quart Accusump this translates into significant variation in oil level in the sump. I'd go with a 1 or 2 quart Accusump on my motor if I did it again.

[lotusguy]

calseight said: I run a 3.5 liter Rover V8 with a non-baffled sump in my Westfield SEiGHT. I use the car for both track and street. To avoid oil starvation on the track, I fitted the car with an Accusump, made by Canton and equipped with an electric valve. The Accusump "T's" into the oil line after it leaves the remote oil filter and passes through a one-way valve. This assures oil delivery to the bearings for some time even if the oil pump's pick up sees only air. Since the electric valve is in series with the feed to the Accusump and lets oil flow only when the ignition is on, the Accusump retains oil under pressure when the engine is shut off. So when the ignition is later turned on, the valve opens and the Accusump acts as a pre-luber. (There, I've finally gotten to the point of this note.)

The arrangement works well. The only down side I note is that my engine, being a bit ratty, runs widely varying oil pressure -- from 10 psi at hot idle to 50 psi when cold. With a 3 quart Accusump this translates into significant variation in oil level in the sump. I'd go with a 1 or 2 quart Accusump on my motor if I did it again.

Thanks...I'll check them out...Jim '85TE

[ultimapaul]

Lotusguy - A lot of us Ultima builders also use the Accusump, a bit like the Seight driver we tend to use them more as an engine saver rather than a pre-lube device.

I'm not sure what size you would use on a Lotus, we run the largest available, mind you, our oil total capacity is about 8-10 quarts!

Paul

[2 sheds]

I can also recommend the Accusump, I have fitted 2 both to Rover V8s i found them more useful for prelubing rather than preventing oil surge as the rover V8 has a very high capacity / low pressure flow oil system, not sure how this compares to the lotus ? i would recommend the larger capacity units .