Engine pre-lubrication system

Abstract

A system for pre-lubricating an engine is disclosed. The system has an engine, a first pump driven by the engine to lubricate the engine, and a second pump configured to lubricate the engine. The system also has at least one component driven by the engine and fluidly connected downstream of the second pump and upstream of the engine. The system further has a sensor located at the engine to generate a signal indicative of an engine lubrication status. Starting of the engine is inhibited based on the engine lubrication status.

1 . A method of providing lubrication to an engine, comprising:
 drawing power from the engine to pressurize lubricant at a first location;   pressurizing the lubricant at a second location;   passing the lubricant through an engine-driven component located upstream of the engine;   passing the lubricant through the engine; and   inhibiting engine ignition based on a pressure of the lubricant in the engine.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , further including measuring the pressure at an outlet of the engine. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein inhibiting includes automatically preventing engine ignition. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein inhibiting includes providing a warning to an operator of the engine to postpone starting. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the warning is given when the pressure is below a predetermined threshold. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein lubricant at the second location is pressurized by a power source independent from engine operation. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein lubricant is drawn from a sump supplying both the first and the second locations. 
   
   
       8 . A power system, comprising:
 an engine;   a first pump driven by the engine to lubricate the engine;   a second pump configured to lubricate the engine;   a component driven by the engine and fluidly connected downstream of the second pump and upstream of the engine; and   a sensor located at the engine to generate a signal indicative of an engine lubrication status, wherein starting of the engine is inhibited based on the engine lubrication status.   
   
   
       9 . The power system of  claim 8 , wherein the sensor is located at an outlet of the engine. 
   
   
       10 . The power system of  claim 9 , further including a controller in communication with the sensor. 
   
   
       11 . The power system of  claim 10 , wherein the controller is configured to prevent starting of the engine when a pressure of the lubrication at the outlet of the engine is below a predetermined pressure. 
   
   
       12 . The power system of  claim 10 , wherein the controller is configured to warn an operator of the engine to postpone starting the engine when a pressure of the lubrication at the outlet of the engine is below a predetermined pressure. 
   
   
       13 . The power system of  claim 8 , wherein the second pump is electrically powered. 
   
   
       14 . The power system of  claim 8 , wherein the component is a fuel pump. 
   
   
       15 . The power system of  claim 8 , wherein the component is a turbocharger. 
   
   
       16 . The power system of  claim 8 , further including a first check valve located downstream of the first pump. 
   
   
       17 . The power system of  claim 16 , wherein the first check valve is located upstream of the component. 
   
   
       18 . The power system of  claim 17 , further including a second check valve located downstream of the second pump. 
   
   
       19 . The power system of  claim 18 , wherein the second check valve is located upstream of the component. 
   
   
       20 . The power system of  claim 8 , further including a common sump connected to the engine and configured to supply the first and second pumps with lubricant.