Hi Bill,

Well, I start Mariah at least once a week after letting the preoiler do it's thing. I do believe, however, that a pre-oiler will increase an engine's reliability based on all that I've heard here and from the basic oil commercials that almost always refer to start-up as being one of the most wearing times on an engine.

As for whether or not a pre-oiler is mandatory, probably not since most cars don't have them (is it a plot to increase the frequency of engine rebuilds?).

I hope this helps you, and all the best.

Randy Klein