Oil Pump Priming Question
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,245
Likes: 25
From: Blue Ridge Georgia
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (conway62)
no, you need to install the pum and the oil pan and then buy a priming shaft for about 15 bucks, then use a drill motor and prime the pump till you see and feel that the pump is pumping. I think Mr. gasket has one at most auto supply stores.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (71roadster)
I just fill the pump with oil even though it runs back out when you flip the motor over. Then I use an old distributor (with the gear ground down) and a drill motor before I install the distributor and start it up.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (conway62)
What you do is pack it with light grease. Pull the cover and pack the gear area with Vaseline or light bearing grease of some kind. It will start pumping immediately.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (conway62)
I took a different tack with my oil pump project. Removed the hot wire wire from the HEI distributor, cranked the starter until I saw pressure on the oil gauge (about 20 seconds), reconnected the hot wire and fired up. Worked.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (SanDiegoPaul)
Don't know how importatant is is to "prime the pump" but the purpose is to get oil into the bearings and lifters so the engine doesn't star up when anything is dry. "The worst thing you can do to a motor is start it up" so once you start it you should never shut it off. :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (SanDiegoPaul)
Yes, it was a beer-after-the-work-is-done project ;) . The FelPro one-piece gasket was on and the oil filter in place.
[Modified by paul79, 7:02 PM 12/5/2002]
[Modified by paul79, 7:02 PM 12/5/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 2
From: Des Moines Iowa
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (conway62)
Quote: "Is it possible to prime a new oil pump before bolting it to the engine? If so, what is the best way to do it."
Answer: Yes it's possible, and in fact is recommended. As has been said, most engine rebuild instructions state to pack new oil pump with light grease or vasoline, then install pick up tube / screen, and then submerse in new / clean engine oil and turn shaft until oil is pumped up throuh pump and out the hole on top side of pump..........At least that's what I did when I installed new oil pump during rebuild of my 350.
Answer: Yes it's possible, and in fact is recommended. As has been said, most engine rebuild instructions state to pack new oil pump with light grease or vasoline, then install pick up tube / screen, and then submerse in new / clean engine oil and turn shaft until oil is pumped up throuh pump and out the hole on top side of pump..........At least that's what I did when I installed new oil pump during rebuild of my 350.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (john's '81 mouse)
I just finished rebuilding my 406 for the second time because I didn't prime the engine before firing it the first time. I've built over a dozen engines before and never had one fail before.(I've used the pack the pump with Vasoline too.) The machinist explained why he thaught it failed.In my case the cam went flat,and the cam gets it's oiling from crank splash.The drill priming method insures the oil pump is primed and by pumping the oil up top before firing the engine,the cam and all valve gear get soaked with oil.
I wish I'd spent the $25. on the primer tool before the $1000. I had to respend. :U
I wish I'd spent the $25. on the primer tool before the $1000. I had to respend. :U
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Re: Oil Pump Priming Question (The Money Pit)
If you prime using a drill ... just remember correct rotation ... looking down onto top of pump (or primer rod) correct rotation is right hand (clockwise). Spinning motor with NO POWER to distributor works too ... we fire all race cars/trucks every time we crank in this manner ... spin starter until we see good op ... only then power-up ignition. Cam bearings are pressure fed. Cam lobes do get some lube from crank splash ... but the lifter bores are pressure fed and some of that oil gets thrown out & onto lobes also ... so long as lifters do not hang up in wrong position (as when a pushrod/rocker/valve stem bends or breaks.
