After an engine rebuild and prior to initial start-up, what tool can I use through the distributor opening that will engage the oil pump and prime the engine?
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Re: OIL PUMP PRIMING FOR INITIAL START-UP
Get an old pass car distributor, remove the advance parts and the cam from the top of the shaft, attach a 1/2 inch electric drill to the shaft where you removed the unneeded parts, drop the setup into the hole just like it was a corvette distributor, and turn on the drill---HOLD ON as the pump requires some power to turn it once pressure has built up a little.Bill Clupper #618 -
Re: OIL PUMP PRIMING FOR INITIAL START-UP
Thanks...Comment
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YOU NEED TO REMOVE THE TEETH FROM THE DIST GEAR
or you can not turn the "primer" unless you forgot to install the camshaft. i have a primer to loan just for the postage both ways.mine you can turn with a "speed wrench" or a electric drill as it has a 9/16" hex to drive it.Comment
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Re: YOU NEED TO REMOVE THE TEETH FROM THE DIST GEA
I usually just pull the gear off the shaft, it's easier than gringing the teeth.Bill Clupper #618Comment
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Oil Pump Priming
Finally, an area I can help. In my experience rebuilding engines, I've never had any problems simply priming the individual cylinders with a small amount of oil, removing the igition lead and cranking the engine a "few" times. I should point out I have followed this procedure on approximately 50+ rebuilds with no problems -ever. Of course, it's vital that every part in the rebuild get a good rub of oil at the time of install. Hope it helps.
TomComment
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Re: Priming Tool
If you don't have an old distributor, there are tools you can buy to prime the engine. Powerhouse Products is one source.
Roger
#36316Comment
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Re: Oil Pump Priming
Tom,
Do you crank the engine until oil pressure is indicated on the gage?Comment
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Re: Oil Pump Priming
if you do not "prime" the oil system thru the oil pump it will take a while to fill the oil filter,lifters and oil passages so in this period of time your engine bearings see no oil pressure. having no oil to the valve springs on startup can damage them permanenty because i have seen the exhaust valve springs turn red hot in less than 1 minute with no oil flowing over them. also flowing oil is required for camshaft breakin to prevent lobe wear till the camsaft is run in.Comment
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Re: Oil Pump Priming
Rob,
Engines that have electronic sensors react much faster than the mechanical type. In my experience, I've turned the engine over (after lightly oil priming the cylinders) for appr. 5 seconds. Wait 5 seconds and repeat. After about the third time, the oil pump is primed and pumping oil. At that point, I attach the coil lead install the plugs and start it. Where I've followed this procedure on mechanical oil presure gauges, once the engine starts, pressure reads rather quickly.
Our family owned an auto parts business in Independence, Kansas for almost 16-years. This procedure I picked up from a "very old" mechanic. Don't know if it's "by-the-book" only know it has worked for me. Hope this answers your question.
TomComment
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Re: Oil Pump Priming
I replaced the distributor gear with a piece of PVC pipe to keep the distributor shaft aligned with the pump shaft.Comment
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For what it's worth
Clem and Rob,
It's good to fill the oil filter prior to installation. Be sure to dip your finger in a little oil and rub a coating across the oil filter seal prior to tightening. Also, it's a good idea to soak the lifters in a pan of oil prior to installation. Again, "for what it's worth" -it has worked for me.
Respectfully,
TomComment
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Re: For what it's worth
Does filling the oil filter apply to the origial "cannister" type as well, or will it leak before the bolt can be tightened?Comment
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Pre-filling canister type oil filters?
Rob,
I've never tried to fill a bolt-on type, only threaded types. That's a good question.
TomComment
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Re: For what it's worth
You can fill the canister/element with oil and little or no oil will seep between can and bolts. been doing it this way for years. PS: i ground teeth off old dist. and keep it handywhen priming fresh engines.Usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes for oil to reach rocker arms. regards, mikeComment
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