slowmx5

So I think I have decided to deal with my oil surge problem. See this other thread for details.

Lots of useful advice there leading me to seriously look at an Accusump and I am now looking for your thoughts on that particular setup and on what I'll be needing.

Before all that though what's the consensus on whether this will cure the issue or just help a little. Better still does anyone have direct experience of the Accusump on our engines and if so how and where did you install it?

crashnscar

iTrader: (9)

No experience with a BP, but do have experience with an LS.
You'll want an Accusump with EPC valve (probably the 20-25psi version). Get the largest Accusump you can fit in the space you want to use. Not sure about the best place to feed it to the motor though, maybe a sandwich plate under the oil filter?

slowmx5

Thanks. Yes that is a circle which I am finding hard to square right now - I can't really see many places to fit it. Anyone got imaginative with fitting one to a Miata?

hustler

iTrader: (6)

above the intercooler, in front of the radiator.

crashnscar

iTrader: (9)

1.6 or 1.8? In a 90-93 you may be able to fit it under the dash near where the passenger air bag would be, above and behind the glove box area.

Or in your front bumper, if you get rid of the bumper beam. Or just in front of your radiator going vertical on one of the sides near mounts/frame rails.

Faeflora

iTrader: (2)

Does it have to sit flat, horizontally? Can you mount it vertically?

curly

iTrader: (25)

FM does:




I think there's one or two other pictures of their setup, but I'm not going to do all your homework for you Biff.
Flyin' Miata : The Track Dog race car

magnamx-5

iTrader: (7)

the shelf where the windsheild wipers are works as well probly i was thinking of throwing a oil cooler there someday.

minime

iTrader: (11)

If you carry a passenger you probably want to mount it in the engine bay somewhere. My first choice would be above the IC under the front bumper skin, but the way FM mounted their tank is interesting too.

I will be installing my accusump on the pax floor board, along with my WI tank and pump and possibly my cool suit cooler. Kinda sucks that I won't be able to take passengers, but I enjoy driving more than I do instructing

Faeflora

iTrader: (2)

Where would you get airflow for the oil cooler from?

slowmx5

I'd forgotten that FM had used one their Track Dog race car - I'll have a look into that.

The mounting is an interesting conundrum. I'll have to look at what space I may have between the radiator and the IC, but there isn't much so it'd be tight. Mounting in the windscreen wiper area is another option to investigate but I already have the aquamist water pump there (approx 1/3 of the way down) which would more than likely need to be repositioned and its there due to lack of space elsewhere. Easiest place would be mounting in the passenger foot-well area but is not an option as I use the car as a daily driver. Has anyone gone as far back as the boot?

Chris Swearingen

iTrader: (1)

I put mine (2 qt) behind the passenger seat. The car is in the trailer so I can't just run down to the garage and get you pictures. it is mounted diagonally with the outlet at the high end. I used a manual valve and that puts it in easy reach of the driver. I don't know that I had a problem I was solving, but I lost a motor earlier this year to a mysterious problem, possibly oiling so .... a little insurance never hurts. It is a really good feeling to know I get to start the motor pre-oiled every time.

I was a little amazed at what I would up spending on -AN fittings and hose for the install. I already had a remote oil filter and a cooler. I redid all the lines as a precaution as well so the cost was higher than if I just plumed the Accusump.

slowmx5

Chris thanks for the post. Any pictures would be very welcome. Can you elaborate on what parts you needed to get the Accusump in? Did you splice it into your oilcooler line? Sounds like this position might be a way forward.

Faeflora

iTrader: (2)

How complicated was the wiring for the pre-oiling system? It looked a little intimidating to me. That's the whole reason I'm interested in an Acusump. Are there any other pre-oiling type devices out there that are superior to the Accusump? Anyone know anything about the Amsoil device?

Chris Swearingen

iTrader: (1)

It's going to be a couple of weeks before I can get you guys pictures and I can probably give you a good enough description in less than a thousand words.

[Mental image]
Big blue tube, gauge on one end, manual valve and -AN 90 on the other.

-AN fitting is level with and almost against the center console. Gauge is almost touching the floor on the other.

Hose runs from the 90 along the side of the tunnel to another 90 bulkhead fitting, which has yet another 90 to run to the adapter plate at the old oil filter location on the "in" side. The line coming from the oil filter has a one way valve just before the T that this line hooks into. Oil from the accusump can only go into the engine, not back toward the oil cooler.
[/Mental image]


I went with
"The Manual Valve Part # 24-260: The manual valve is the simplest valve and the easiest to install. It provides
quick response time and has no restrictions. It is recommended for hard core racing applications."

I didn't want to a) wait for it to refill slowly, and b) have a preset limit, I wanted the oil "buffer" there all the time.

Full install instructions which are pretty good are listed here.

I made myself a checklist for pre-start and shutdown until I got used to the sequence and because other people drive the car from time to time.

Checklist
Pre-start
Key on, wait for ready light from WB02 or gauge to read 22.x
Open Accusump valve
Crank, no throttle
Don't rev above 3000 until oil temp moves

Shutdown
Rev to 3000
Close Accusump valve
Key off

Pretty simple but you will be amazed how long it takes for the valve to be part of your subconscious routine.

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

Reading Chris' checklist, the first thing that entered my mind was "it probably wouldn't be all that hard to build a microprocessor-based startup / shutdown controller to automate the process, kinda like what they use for modern turbine engines."

Must... stop... needlessly... overcomplicating... everything.

Chris Swearingen

iTrader: (1)

Joe,
How about just wiring a POT to the steering wheel that limits timing unless the wheel is straight? You go into a corner, turn the wheel and the timing backs off so you have less available power, floor it out of the turn and as you unwind the wheel you get more power. Who needs traction control??? Oh wait that's me, that wants the rate of acceleration stuff added back into MS-II code.

We now return you to your accusump discussion.