So I pull the 15A fuse for the fuel rail when the car has sat for a period of more than two (2) weeks. I do this in order to be able to turnover the engine in order to pull oil into the head and overhead cam, this prevents the engine from starting under load with no oil. However, oil pressure light never ACTUALLY goes out, am I doing damage to my engine when I do the pre - start this way

 

Not sure what the correct answer is. But, I doubt it.

My question though is whether this start up process actually accomplishes anything of consequence. I assume the concern is that piston walls and bearing surfaces etc. may not be adequately lubricated after a long storage period. Turning the engine causes lubrication to flow. But, what does it matter whether the lubrication starts with ignition, or without ignition? Whether there is ignition, or not, you still have the same exact lubrication situation when the engine begins rotating. No? Whatever damage might be caused by inadequate lubrication, (and personally I am skeptical any significant damage will occur), isn't it exactly the same either way? Why do we assume that faster rotation with ignition will cause more damage? Seems to me it could well be the exact opposite. Does anyone know the answer?

 

Until the engine oil warms up there's insufficient oil FLOW to properly lubricate the engine no matter what the oil pressure indicated. All the oil companies claim the majority of engine wear occurs during a cold start. Yet engines run for hundreds of thousands of miles and tens of thousands of cold starts without problems since this wear is inconsequential.

Read at least Chapter One of Motor Oil 101. The rest only takes a few minutes. I run 5W-30 in my cars only because I can't find 0W-30.

-- Chuck

 

Yeah this is a pointless thing on any modern motors. i would be willing to beat that at least 50% of these cars sit 1-2 weeks at a time in between being driven anyway.