Engine lubrication system simulating device

An engine lubrication system simulating device, comprising:

• a reservoir configured to contain engine oil and be coupled in fluid communication with a reserve tank of an oil consumption measuring device, the reservoir having at least one transparent portion configured to enable viewing of components internal to the reservoir during operation;
• an agitation device configured to agitate oil in the reservoir;
• a circulation system configured to circulate oil between the reservoir and the reserve tank while maintaining a constant level of oil in the reservoir, the circulation system including:
• at least one suction tube having a first inlet positioned at a predetermined height within the reservoir and a suction pump associated therewith, the suction tube being configured to remove excess oil from the reservoir, and
• at least one return tube having a return pump associated therewith and configured to transport oil into the reservoir from the reserve tank;
• an output port configured to facilitate removal of oil from the reservoir at a known, controlled rate and transport it to a location separate from the reservoir and the oil consumption measuring device;
• an electrical heating element configured to controllably heat oil within at least one of the reservoir and the circulation system;
• a second inlet configured to facilitate controlled pressurization of the reservoir;
• and
• a connection tube configured to facilitate equalization of pressure between the reservoir and the reserve tank.

A method of testing an oil consumption measuring device, comprising:

• attaching the oil consumption measuring device to an engine lubrication system simulating device having a reservoir containing engine oil;
• agitating the oil in the reservoir;
• circulating oil between the simulating device reservoir and the measuring device while maintaining a constant level of oil in the simulating device;
• removing oil from the reservoir at a known, controlled output flow rate and transporting the oil to a location separate from the reservoir and the oil consumption measuring device.