I was going to build a tank that is about 1 quart and have a check valve and a solenoid attached to it so that I could remotely pre-oil my engine before starting it. The check valve would permit the engines oil pump to build pressure in the tank and store that pressure while the engine is off, then before I start the car the next time I would open the solenoid to let the pressurized oil into the block. Has anyone done anything like this? I know Moroso sells an accumulator that can serve the same purpose but I could make one much cheaper. I was just looking for opinions.

 

http://www.accusump.com/

Its designed primarily to prevent oil starvation but it can also be used as a pre-oiler like you described.

 

That is apparently where the idea was gotten from, just wants to devise a less expensive alternative. ...but I could build one much cheaper.

This is also a great way, btw, to preoil fresh engines, what with the distributor not is conventional location on LT engines.

 

I was also wondering if I would have to put a piston or some type of air chamber because oil does not compress. I don't know how much of a 1 quart container would discharge under around 60 psi? But if there was some type of air chamber all of the oil would be forced out. Anybody have some insight? Also if I plumb it into the tap that is near the oil filter will it back-flow into the pan or will it oil the bearings?

 

To get into the pan, the oil would need to pass thru the pump. No?

 

What I meant was is the pump sealed enough th not let oil go backwards while the pump is not spinning? (There are no check valves) I also don't know how much of a 1 quart tank will dispense without a piston of some sort pushing on it.

 

consider this though.. after cranking and the reservoir is filling your oil system pressure would be nil

 

i've thought about this as well, and i don't like the design of the accusump.

it has an O-ringed piston in the cylinder to form an air chamber at the back end. a schrader valve and pressure guage let you pick your oil pressure.

being naturally distrustful of O-rings, i just can't help but wonder how often you have to drag out the air compressor to refill the air in this thing.

how about a diaphragm instead? think about how often those old wax-pellet vacuum switches went dead (works like an Accusump), as opposed to a map sensor (which has a diaphragm).......

anyone use an accusump on a daily basis? how well do they hold pressure?