A lubricating apparatus is disclosed for use in an engine having a crankshaft, at least one bearing for the crankshaft, and an oil pan for storing a lubricating oil reserve. The apparatus comprises a pump for pumping the oil up from the oil pan, an oil passage for providing fluid communication between a discharge port of the pump and the bearing to supply the oil to the bearing, and an oil recirculation passage for providing communication between the bearing and an inlet port of the pump to return the oil at the bearing to the pump. The apparatus further includes a temperature activated valve assembly along the recirculation passage. The valve assembly allows the oil to return from the bearing to the pump through the oil recirculation passage, when the temperature of the engine is below a predetermined temperature.