Dear Tom and Ray:

I change the oil on our 1988 and 1991 Ford Tempos. When I start the engine right after an oil change, the oil light stays on for two or three seconds until the oil filter fills up. The filter is almost horizontal on the engine when installed, and will hold very little oil. So I can't fill it up ahead of time. Any suggestions on how to minimize those two or three seconds of extra wear and tear before the oil pumps through the system? I cringe until that oil light goes off. -- John

Ray: I always see my brother cringe when he starts his car, too, John. But I'm not sure if he's cringing because he's afraid it won't start or because he's afraid it will!

Tom: Actually, you're right to worry a little bit, John. Some damage IS done during those few seconds without oil pressure. That's why on cars where the oil filter hangs down, we do recommend filling the filter with oil before installing it. That way, full pressure is reached almost right away.

Ray: In cases where that's not possible, I'd suggest two things. First, whatever you do, don't rev the engine as soon as you start it. That would certainly hasten the demise of these two world-class automobiles.

Tom: And if you really want to be good to these cars, you can disconnect the coil wire or the wiring harness that goes to the electronic ignition. Without those, the car will crank, but it won't start. And while it's cranking, the oil pump will do its job. So you'll be filling up the filter and building up oil pressure while the engine is turning very slowly -- at, say, 100 rpm, vs. 1,000-2,000 rpm once it actually starts.

Ray: And even my brother knows enough math to understand that running the engine on low oil pressure at 100 rpm for two seconds does less damage than running it at 1,000 rpm for two seconds.

Tom: After you've cranked it for a few seconds, you can hook the ignition back in, and start it up. And you shouldn't see the oil light at all. The only cringing will be from the realization that you've just added to the number of miles you'll have to spend driving that Tempo!

It's amazing how many bad driving habits and wacko theories have been passed down from generation to generation! Tom and Ray set the record straight in their booklet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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