first start up/priming the oil-system

[Houseofperformance]

I´m about to start up my (almost) new engine for the first time.the engine had already run for about 60 miles, before I bought it, but sat for a couple of month now.
I want to prime the oil system prior to start-up.is it possible to prime it throu the dist.hole with a simple rod+drill, or do I need the priming-tool, wich seems to seal the lifter valley from the pan when installed?
I´m using mineral oil (castrol 10-40) for the first 1000 miles to seat the rings and plan to switch to synt. after that.
anything else I have to take special care of?

thanks

 

[myclone]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

You need the priming tool or an old distributor with the cam gear machined off. Using a "rod" chucked in a drill wont seal the lifter galleys and you wont get any oil through the valve train and minimal oil into the bottom end due to low/no pressure.

Spend the ~25 bucks on the priming tool or make your own out of an old chevy V8/4.3 distributor.

 

[Don W.]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

IMHO Two months is not a long time. If the engine has already been run like you say then just cranking before it actually fires will be pumping oil. The system is already "primed."

 

[Houseofperformance]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

thanks. the engine sat for about 4 month.it was vermont ty´s old engine.will the dist. of a buick 3,8 v6 n/a engine work as a priming tool.it´s hard to get a hold of the special tool in austria

 

[CKEITH]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

or you can borrow one from autozone....loan a tool program. pay a deposit...use it...return it...get your money back..

 

[Houseofperformance]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

no autozone in austria. I wish it was that easy ;-)

 

[Don W.]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

In this case it might be easier to pull the plugs, disconnect the FP so you don't flood it and just crank it for a couple of 15-20 sec periods (so you don't over heat the starter).

 

[4C FED]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

I'd use a 1/2" drill to spin the priming tool. Most 3/8" drills don't have enough torque once the pump actually starts pumping.

 

[myclone]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

will the dist. of a buick 3,8 v6 n/a engine work as a priming tool.it´s hard to get a hold of the special tool in austria

Wont work.... If you have access to any Chevy small block or big block V8 those distributors will work to make your own.

You should be ok to use the starter since the motor has already been fired but like Don W said be aware that extended cranking will over heat the starter.

 

[Houseofperformance]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

I thought about the cranking-over way, but what will happen if the mains are dry already?
I might start the mill and fabricate a priming tool by copying the lower part of the distributer where it seals the valley. is that option suitable or are there any other pitfalls?
unfortunatly there is no way I can get a spare dist. without paying 200 usd.
thanks for the help

 

[Don W.]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

Since the engine has been run, the mains, and more importantly, the rods, won't be dry. If you pull the plugs there's no load on them anyway. Crank away. Done it many time without issues.

 

[CKEITH]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

I thought about the cranking-over way, but what will happen if the mains are dry already?
I might start the mill and fabricate a priming tool by copying the lower part of the distributer where it seals the valley. is that option suitable or are there any other pitfalls?
unfortunatly there is no way I can get a spare dist. without paying 200 usd.
thanks for the help

what would it cost to ship a pump primer to austria???? i will be glad to send you one if you have the time to wait for shipping...

 

[cloneman315]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

if this motor had already been broke in there is no need to prime it at all ,no need to pull plugs nothing just start it ,if the motor hasnt been broke in u need to prime it, also when u are primeing it u need to turn the motor over in 1/4 turns while you are doing it so all the bearings and journals get oil,and dont just pull the coil wire and turn it over.

 

[Don W.]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

if this motor had already been broke in there is no need to prime it at all ,no need to pull plugs nothing just start it ,if the motor hasnt been broke in u need to prime it, also when u are primeing it u need to turn the motor over in 1/4 turns while you are doing it so all the bearings and journals get oil,and dont just pull the coil wire and turn it over.

I would agree. He just seemed set priming the thing...

 

[cloneman315]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

yes i understand

 

[EcSy#2671]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

How long do you pump the oil when priming it? 30 seconds?

 

[cloneman315]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

2 full turns 1/4 turn rotations at a time on the crank.

 

[myclone]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

How long do you pump the oil when priming it? 30 seconds?

Until the oil pressure stabilizes on a mechanical gauge that I plumb into the oil galley that is fed from the lifter galley (port behind the intake is what I use). Usually a two or three minutes of priming and all is well.

 

[Houseofperformance]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

thanks for the help.
i´m gona fab the tool today just for peace of mind.maybe i´m paranoid, but I realy don´t want to f%&k things up on this build.
actually I just wanted to change the converter to a higher stall and ended up with a built vortec engine.
something is very strange about this trucks;-)

 

[bezerk]

Re: first start up/priming the oil-system

thanks for the help.
i´m gona fab the tool today just for peace of mind.maybe i´m paranoid, but I realy don´t want to f%&k things up on this build.
actually I just wanted to change the converter to a higher stall and ended up with a built vortec engine.
something is very strange about this trucks;-)

isn't thee anyone near you that has an old dist. where you can grind the tooths off?