Here’s where the PON-6 shines. Before installation, my cold-start oil pressure gauge would sit at zero for 2-3 agonizing seconds, then spike to 45 PSI. After installation? Now, when I turn the key to “ON,” I hear a quiet, smooth whirring sound. My aftermarket oil pressure gauge jumps to — before the starter even engages. The difference in engine sound is stark: Instead of a brief “dry rattle” from the valvetrain, it just catches with a dull, oil-muffled thump and immediately idles smoother.
After a year and a half, the PON-6 has been flawless. The pump still sounds healthy, no solenoid sticking, no leaks at the sandwich plate. My truck has 210,000 miles and uses less than half a quart of oil between changes—down from nearly a full quart before. Cold starts in 10°F weather are no longer anxiety-inducing. The only minor annoyance: The pre-lube cycle adds about 8 seconds to your “startup routine,” so you can’t just jump in, crank, and go. You learn to turn the key, then buckle your seatbelt.
Introduction: The Silent Killer of Engines pon-6 pre oiler
If you’ve ever cringed hearing your engine clatter on a cold start, or worried about the dry-scrape of metal-on-metal after an oil change, you’re not alone. The vast majority of engine wear (some studies suggest up to 80%) happens in the first few seconds after startup, before oil pressure has fully built up. Enter the , a device designed to eliminate that dreaded dry start by pressurizing your oil system before you even turn the key. I’ve been running this unit on my 6.0L diesel work truck for 18 months now. Here’s the unabridged truth.
Let’s be real: This is a 5-6 hour job for a competent DIYer, or a $400-$500 professional install. You’ll need to find a mounting spot for the pump (firewall or inner fender well), run a 10-gauge power wire directly from the battery, connect a trigger wire to your ignition, and plumb into your oil system. The biggest headache was the oil return line—making sure it drains back to the oil pan without kinking is critical. If you’re not comfortable tapping engine blocks or wiring relays, pay a shop. I did it myself, and the hardest part was bleeding the air from the system post-install (the manual suggests cranking with the fuel pump disabled—follow this to the letter). Here’s where the PON-6 shines
Absolutely. In fact, I’m ordering one for my weekend Miata track car. Your engine’s bearings will thank you.
The PON-6 Pre-Oiler is not a necessity; it’s an investment in engine longevity. It solves a problem you can’t see (dry starts) and prevents damage you won’t feel until 50,000 miles later. If you plan to keep your vehicle for another decade or you’ve got a built motor, this is one of the best bolt-on insurance policies available. Drop one star for the fiddly installation and the need for extra adapters on some engines. But for performance enthusiasts and hyper-milers alike, the PON-6 delivers on its promise: oil pressure before fire, every single time. Now, when I turn the key to “ON,”
The PON-6 taps into your engine’s oil galley (usually via a sandwich plate at the oil filter or a dedicated port). It contains a small electric pump and a reservoir that stores a charge of pressurized oil. When you turn your ignition to the "ON" position (or hit a manual button), it pre-lubricates all bearings, lifters, and turbo journals with oil at around 15-20 PSI. Only after that cycle (typically 6-10 seconds) does it allow you to crank the starter. On shutdown, it can also post-lube your turbo, preventing coking.