As underappreciated as the oiling system on a performance engine may be, it is absolutely integral to the longevity and performance of any internal combustion engine. Just like other parts, you can spend as much or as little on an oiling system as you feel fit…but even the world’s most expensive oil pump is worthless if the cheap oil return lines you have get sucked shut by the engine’s own vacuum. 

On the Peterson Fluid Systems Facebook page, these engine oiling pros share a few tips on how to ensure that your expensive engine doesn’t suffer from oil starvation due to a crimped oil scavenge line.

Peterson goes on to explain that, because engines have become more powerful and efficient at pulling vacuum from the crankcase, it can have a negative effect on oil-return lines that aren’t up to par. As the engine reaches WOT and sucks up all the vacuum it can, the oil return lines (which return both air and oil to the pan) can be sucked shut. Running at WOT and high RPMs will quickly suck up the remaining oil in the pan, leaving your engine starved for oil when it needs it the most.

This problem can be hard to identify because it only happens at WOT. The solution, according to Peterson, is to use a return line with a higher vacuum rating. Peterson usually uses Aeroquip steel-braid hose with a 28” vacuum rating in -10, -12, and -16 sizes. If you want something lighter than steel, Peterson recommends a Teflon hose made by Brown & Miller.

These are the kinds of awesome tips Peterson Fluid Systems gives out. With all of the dodgy information floating around the web these days, it’s good to see something useful and informative for a change.

(Image courtesy Peterson Fluid Systems)