Engine rebuild pre-oiler

[elangtv2000]

Hello,

I couldn't find much on this subject in the archives, so am posting this as a new topic;

Thought I'd share my design for an inexpensive pre-oiler for first-time startup of rebuilt engines. Many of you will recognize the 5 gallon soda keg once used in the soda dispensing industry. These have been taken out of service and replaced with bladder bags and CO2 pumps. Surplus kegs are heavily used in the homebrew and commercial microbrew markets, however stocks are quickly being depleted. I have 10 of these (active homebrewer), and some time ago decided to re-task one of them.

New kegs are also available at significantly higher costs, and as you can see, a 5 gallon keg is way larger than needed although 3 g kegs are also available.

Cost: $10 keg
$26 fittings
$4 gauge
$3 hose and clamps
Total: $43

I had considered making one from a garden sprayer, but the modifications needed were more extensive than the work needed to make this setup.

To use, fill tank with required quantity of oil (I use a little less then add final amount into cam cover), connect hose to oil pressure gauge pipe hole in block, pump in air from a compressor at about 20 lbs./sq. in., turn valve, and wait. I try to keep track of remaining oil in keg so I don't draw up air bubbles by repeatedly picking up tank and giving a light swirl. Better to pump less oil than air into the galleries. Air bubbles can be seen through the hose, and the valve, placed close to the block fitting, is turned off before air bubbles enter.

Cheers,
Greg Tatarian
1971 Elan S4 DHC (pics now in Elan Gallery)

[rdssdi]

I used a garden sprayer to fill the oil pump and galleys before starting my TC for the first time.

The spray unit hose with out the wand was a push fit into the oil sender elbow. I held the hose tightly in the fitting and had someone pump the bottle.

Bob

[memini55]

Greg,

Looks good and should help with a dry rebuilt motor before start up. Recently I built one up as well with a couple changes or additions. I used a small freon bottle which was cleaned and I welded the needed fitting to the tank. I install the the air line as you show with a guage and a small regulator so you can adjust air preasure. The pickup tube goes to about 1/2" off the bottom of the tank and was made from 1/8 copper tubing. On the out bound side I have a ball valve to turn on and off oil flow. I also install an inline guage to be able to watch my preasure going into the motor. I run the preasure at about 50-60 psi as that is what would normally be present with a new motor. My line is also clear line so you can watch oil flow. One must take there time with this as it takes a bit to get oil all the way thru. I justed used this with a motor that runs an reote filter and an oil cooler which added a lot of extra time and neede amount of oil.

I found this detailed by the Elan Factory in Aus in there tech help. They have a number of helpful items on there site.

Mark

[elangtv2000]

Hi Bob and Mark,
Years ago I made one from a small helium tank (new), which required the same modifications Mark describes. I have no troubles with welding, as you can see from the TIG, MIG and plasma cutter machines behind the tank, but this was just so easy I couldn't resist. The only downside is the large size, but the time and expense saved is worth it. It was also a pain to get the new oil into the helium tank, as it had to go in through a 3/4" pipe nipple which I capped afterwards. At least the garden sprayer has a large opening like the soda keg.
Cheers,
Greg

[RotoFlexible]

Here is my entry in the inexpensive pre-oiler competition (non-welder's division). I purchased a tire valve that assembles with a nut and rubber gaskets, a grease gun hose, and an L fitting - $15 all up. The tire valve goes in the screw-on cap, the hose goes in the bottom of the container, secured by a nut and washers and sealed with RTV. Fill the container, hook up the hose to the oil pressure fitting, and pressurize. You can even watch the oil level drop on the side of the container.

I built this while trying to solve a loss of oil pressure after installing an oil cooler. Finally I removed the oil cooler, which solved the problem.

As a side note - Greg, for many years my father lived near you (Sebastopol). He always wished he had the Elan out there because the roads were so fantastic.