Engine Priming
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
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From: Harleysville PA
Engine Priming
I have read quite a few threads on this and know that everyone says to use a high speed drill with the appropriate tool or bottom of an old distributor. I do not have a high speed drill and am wondering if an air ratchet is an acceptable replacement. Anyone ever use this method? thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You don't really need a "high speed" drill. what you DO need is one that's tough enough to run the oil pump. I use a 1/2 air drill, but I've got lots of air. (and before someone jumps on that-- mostly it IS hot air).
If you use an electric drill and don't have a 1/2" use an old drill- it'll smoke it. Your ar ratchet might work, but it won't spin fast enough to get much pressure.
If you use an electric drill and don't have a 1/2" use an old drill- it'll smoke it. Your ar ratchet might work, but it won't spin fast enough to get much pressure.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Tucson AZ
I used a cordless drill set on torque setting, not higher speed setting. Don't forget to put an oil filter on before doing this, don't ask how I know this.....................but I do know this for a fact.
Race Director
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From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Whew - I would not use an impact wrench for this IMHO. A standard electric drill is fine - just recognize that you're taking some life out of it 
You're just looking to prime to get oil showing at the rockers - that's all you need.
You're just looking to prime to get oil showing at the rockers - that's all you need.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Another tip, have someone hold the drill and priming tool while you rotate the engine slowly with a strap wrench or something similar. I usually prime until oil comes out, and I rotate a few times past that.
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Racer
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From: Streator Illinois
Terry
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From: Millersville, MD
This is all I did and watch for pressure at the guage when priming.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Cedar,BC
I've used my DeWalt 18V cordless before,but a corded or air drill works better.You dont need high RPM,but you do need torque once the pump gets primed up so watch your knuckles!If you don't have a helper,just give the motor a quarter turn with a bar a few times so the oil gets to most of the passages.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Harleysville PA
