Rather than an oil pressure cutout switch, install an Accusump.
Oil pressure can drop for reasons other than the engine going south. You
might see a sharp pressure drop in a hard left turn as the oil surges away
from the pickup, but it is only momentary (but enough to kick the switch?)
OTOH, even that pressure drop is ameliorated by the Accusump. And for me
here's the best part: what you said about "assuming that when first cranking
the engine over to start oil pressure would be generated fairly quickly" --
with the Accusump you generate the oil pressure BEFORE you crank the engine
over. My engine runs about 75-80 psi at speed, and the Accusump gives me
30-40 psi (a not uncommon street pressure) before I ever hit the key.
And then, if you still want an oil pressure warning of some kind -- put the
Big Red Light in your dash.
Me -- I don't want some electrical whatsis making decisions like that for
me. I want the information (red light, look at the gauge, assess the
situation) and then I'll decide myself whether to cut the engine.
--Rocky Entriken
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Kahler" <brad.kahler@141.com>
To: <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 11:32 AM
Subject: fuel system questions
> All this talk about fuel pumps has me wondering about
> another aspect of the fuel delivery system, inertia switches.
>
> Currently Susan's spitfire does not have one installed, nor
> does it have a low oil pressure switch that would cut off the
> pump either.
>
> Seems like it would be prudent to install one or both of the
> above items. For the inertia switch I'mwondering if they pose
> problems on race cars. Pegasus sells a unit for $65 that I
> would hope would work on a race car. Any thoughts on this
> one?
>
> As for the oil pressure switch, seems this should be used no
> matter what. I'm assuming that when first cranking the
> engine over to start oil pressure would be generated fairlly
> quickly, especially with the use of an accusump to aid in
> starting. Am I missing something here?!
>
> Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Brad
> 1957 TR3 vintage racer
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