Hello all,
Haven't posted in awhile, and have another question for the experts! Around 2007; shortly after I purchased my 93 W250, I bought a Pre-Luber for my truck from: http://www.autoenginelube.com/ The kit wasn't cheap, almost $300 I recall. Anyhow; the solenoid valve on the oil reservoir bottle died the other day. The solenoid allows the oil to flow into the storage bottle, and traps it when you shut off the ignition. When you put the ignition in accessory, and trigger the solenoid valve, the 2 quart storage bottle dumps oil into the engine, via the oil temp fitting on the drivers side of the block (before start up) - which pre lubes your engine (25 psi of pressure) before start up. I believe this is the basics of it?
To cut to the chase, I need to replace the solenoid valve. I looked through my Grainger catalog, and they have so many solenoid valves, I have no clue which one to go with. I contacted the owner of autoenginelube, Fred, today - and he basically tells me (via email), that the solenoid valve is made ESPECIALLY for him, and he won't tell me the specs on it, nor sell me one individually. Get this; I need to order another WHOLE kit from him!!! Yeah; give me a break!!!!! Talk about customer service So; I need some help from the electrical experts to find a replacement. All I know about the solenoid valve is: I believe it is a two way, the fittings are 3/8" NPT. I will take a pic of the solenoid tomorrow. It has some ID numbers on it: 3M151C1 and 4/5 CCB, but no manufacture name. I looked up 3M151C1 on Google, and came up with nothing.
The reason for the Pre-Luber is - I only use my 93 occasionally - when I need to tow our fishing boat, or my 18" flat bed trailer. So; the truck sits for long periods of time. I know it is probably more trouble than it is worth, but I have it, and would like to get it functioning again.

 

Solenoid Valve pics are here: http://photobucket.com/solenoidvalvepics