DeTomaso Mailing List: August 2000, Message #158

Paul,
I solved the dry-start problem in my Pantera by installing a "Preluber",
available from Summit racing.  It's an electric motor connected to a gerotor
type oil pump and generates between 35 and 40 psi of oil pressure before I
crank it over.  Gives me great peace of mind when I let the car sit for a
month or two before I drive it (especially for the first firing up in the
late Winter / early Spring).   Oil changes are a snap; the kit includes a
quick disconnect hose (like those used on air compressor lines).  It also
has a turbo cool down mode where it runs for awhile after you shut the
engine off (although my car doesn't have a turbo).  It takes oil from the
drain plug fitting and pumps it to an adaptor plate between the oil filter
and the block.  The check valve is in the outlet port of the pump.  I placed
it in the triangle opening between the frame rails on the passenger side
just ahead of the engine mount.  These devices aren't cheap (around  $250)
but if you have an expensive motor, I believe it's worth it.

You can see the unit a www.preluber.com

Doug Braun
#5505 blue 73L for Autocross / Yellow 70 MACH1 in restoration

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	detomaso@realbig.com [mailto:detomaso@realbig.com]  On Behalf Of Paul
Timko
Sent:	Friday, August 04, 2000 2:06 PM
To:	Multiple recipients of list
Subject:	Pre-start oil pump

So here's a thought...

While I'm trying to finish up my engine/car, I was thinking about a remote
filter.  The adapters are reasonable, line and fittings aren't too bad and
it give me an easy way to splice in a oil cooler in the future. So I got to
thinking that a method of pre-oiling the engine before starting would be a
good idea.  In fact all it takes after the remote filter stuff is a one way
check valve, use the port in the front of the 10 quart pan, a TEE, some hose
and an electric pump and I'm in business.

What are the thoughts on doing this and are there any pump recommendations?

Paul