Does flat six design help on start-up?

RazorRacer · 10-01-2002, 07:01 AM

We always hear that starting an engine causes the most wear and tear. This seems true for a V-8 where the oil will drain from the pistions down. But is it true for a flat six!?!

It would make sense that the oil film on the bottom of the pistion will remain until the engine is re-started.

Ted Stringer · 10-01-2002, 07:40 AM

Its not the film on the bottom of the piston that matters, it is the oil that is on the cilindar (sp again, I am on a roll) walls and in the bearings that matters. That being said, the flat does help because everything is on a plain, not as much vertical travel for the oil.

What helps more is the dry sump. This makes sure that there is oil in the pump as the engine is cranking. Remember that the pump on a V8 is above the oil so it has to suck the oil into it, and then deliver it to the engine.

RazorRacer · 10-01-2002, 07:43 AM

Since the piston is horizontal, the oil on the bottom of it is between the cylinder and the pistion. That's what I meant.

Ted Stringer · 10-01-2002, 07:58 AM

Yeah, that part helps. The oil pump thing really makes the diference, as all of the V8 that I have driven take at least 5 seconds to make oil pressure, my 911 had it as soon as I let off of the starter.

Superman · 10-01-2002, 08:04 AM

Those German engineers are the best in the world, hands down. Our oil pumps are primed by gravity. Oil pressure at startup is essentially instantaneous.