I reengined in 1993, going from 8V-71 naturals to 6V-92 turbocharged and aftercooled engines on Jack Hargrave's recommendation. I had owned a turbocharged car with instructions to idle two minutes after hard driving to cool the turbo and prevent coking of the turbo bearings. So, for the new engines I installed three sets of Marine Pre-Lubers (TM), for two engines and one generator. These had an electronic module controlling a small motor connected to an ordinary oil pump. Turning the ignition key started the pump, putting out 40 psi in about 5 seconds. Good, but the real reason I used them was when the engines were shut down and the ignition key released a variable timer would circulate oil through the system and the turbocharger. I set mine for six minutes after shut down. Having gone through several hour meters in 29 years I can only estimate my total engine hours, about 3,000, probably half at 1,950 rpm. I have had no running problems with the engines or generator (non-turbo, but I figured I could swap it to an engine if one luber failed). Both engines start at once, 5 seconds of light smoke on starboard, none on port. Never need to add oil!
An unexpected bonus was the ease of changing the oil. Warm the engines, disconnect the oil return line and pump it into an empty 5 gallon can. The manufacturer included a quick-disconnect fitting for each pump for this. My mechanic said to me "You really don't want your main oil line to disconnect without your putting some effort into it." Now I undo three bolts first.
I believe the Pre-Lubers have been a good investment. In the past we would spend weeks anchored out, running the generator constantly. I change its oil weekly and doing so using the Pre-Luber as a pump meant I could get the oil out faster than I could add it back in. I have tried to find the manufacturer from 29 years ago, but no luck. Using its own engine oil means no need to fill some new reservoir and the pre- and post-lube timers still seem good to me. Somebody out there must still make one.
