We like to think of ourselves as problems solvers. Whether it is an oil pressure issue, cooling system challenge, or an engine swap dilemma, we aim to provide a solution. Below are some of the most common problems we solve. Read through and see if the problem haunting you is on our list.
My low oil pressure light is coming on under moderate cornering, acceleration or braking.
The primary reason for these symptoms is the oil in the pan sliding away from the oil pickup tube. When the pickup is no longer covered by oil it will suck up air. Even small amounts of air can cause drops in oil pressure. A high capacity oil pan is a big step toward solving this problem as it will provide your system with more oil to work with. To go a step further consider a fully baffled oil pan and a matching small cup pickup that will work to direct and keep oil flowing to your engine.
My oil pressure is usually OK, but drops during really hard corning, acceleration or deceleration.
Maybe you already have a high capacity pan with some sort of baffling or a late model performance car that seems to do OK under moderate driving. Yet, still you notice that during long sweeping turns or heavy acceleration or braking your oil light can start to flicker. To solve this problem you will have to take a much closer look at your oiling system. We recommend high capacity pans with baffling and pickups designed for your type of use. Circle track and Drag racing oil pans, for example, will have very different sump design, pickup placement and baffling. To get the best results you need to make sure everything is spot on.
Now, If you are sure you have the right pan for the job and the oil level, pickup clearance, and baffling are all in good order, and you still see some oil issues during hard use, consider using a Accusump Oil Accumulator to provide that extra level of protection. The Accusump Oil Accumulator is also a good option when you are limited in your ability to upgrade your oil pan.
My Plastic Tank is cracked and leaking!
Most cars are equipped with plastic coolant tanks under the hood. These tanks can become brittle over time as they are exposed to repeated heat cycles. As a result, plastic tanks can be prone to cracking and leaking, especialy when used in high performance applications. Solve this problem by replacing your failing plastic tank with an aluminum tank. Aluminum tanks will stand up to the heat and stress you will be putting on it.
I want under the hood to look good, but that plastic tank is such an eye sore!
The thing about plastic is, well, it looks like plastic. The plastic tanks under your hood were cost effective for the OEM's to make in large quantities, but looks and durability suffer. As time passes, heat cycles and constant exposure to engine fluids only make the problem worse by discoloring the plastic.
Solve this problem by ditching the plastic and using an aluminum tank. Aluminum tanks look great raw, or can be polished or powder coated to your preference.
I did an engine swap, my application is nothing like stock. How do I set up my cooling system?
If you dropped an engine in your car that is nothing like what came with it, the old cooling system may no longer meet your needs. Engine swaps or any major change like adding a new radiator or forced induction will require a review of your cooling system. First pick the radiator or cooler required for your application. Next decide if your system will either require a high point for coolant fill and expansion or if you will be filling at the radiator or other high spot and you need a recovery style tank. Starting from there we can help you find what you need.
My oil pressure drops and my oil temps climb when my engine is at high RPM's
Oil pressure can fall off at high RPM's for a few reasons, but if you are having this problems coupled with high oil temps you likely have a windage issue. Whats windage? Well, windage is the turbulence in the air as is churns around your rotating assembly. As each piston goes up and down air is pushed around the crankcase. Add to that oil draining down from the engine and a spinning crankshaft and it gets pretty violent. Too much windage and your oil becomes aerated and hot.
Solve this problem by using a windage tray. A windage tray sits under the crankshaft directing draining oil to the sump while also protecting oil in the sump from getting caught in windage around the crank. After that, add a crankscraper. A crankscraper can be pre-installed on a pan or added separately. Either way it positions it self close to the crank to remove oil spinning around the crank and direct it into the pan to reduce windage.
Are you losing oil pressure, but don't have a temperature issue or any sign of a windage issue? It may be time to look at what is going on with your pump and your pickup. Give our tech line a call to go over what to look for there.
I can't find a replacement tank for my application! They don't make it!
Maybe you have a vehicle or piece of equipment that the replacement part market is just not servicing. Have no fear, if you know what the tank was used for you can usually find a tank that can meet all the technical requirements. Armed with information on what type of tank you need, level of venting or pressure requirements, and approximate volume, check out our list of universal tanks for a solution. Or, If you really need a special shape or feature consider our custom program.
My engine sits for awhile between use and I am not seeing oil pressure right away when I start it. AKA "The Dry Start"
Unlike engines that run every day, occasional use engines like those in race cars, classic cars, or specialized equipment can have the film of oil that is intended to keep the engine lubricated between starts dry out. In addition, while sitting in storage older engines are especially susceptible to losing the prime in the oil pump, causing a lag in oil pressure when they are finally started.
The best way to solve this problem is to pre-lubricate your engine before starting. Our Accusump oil accumulator makes this easy and is available with manual or electric operation.