PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE
Can a speed handle with a priming tool be used? I on a car show on television (horsepower tv I think) Where the hosts had former NASCAR
engine builder build an engine and he used an oil priming tool with a speed handle. He gave it a few turns and he stated that the pump was primed. I dont want to use a distributor with the drive gear off, nor do I want to use a drill. If anyone has an idea of what Im talking about could they please post a pic of this tool that can be used with a speed handle or tell me what type of ol pump priming tool it is.
engine builder build an engine and he used an oil priming tool with a speed handle. He gave it a few turns and he stated that the pump was primed. I dont want to use a distributor with the drive gear off, nor do I want to use a drill. If anyone has an idea of what Im talking about could they please post a pic of this tool that can be used with a speed handle or tell me what type of ol pump priming tool it is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
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From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (Oldguard 7)
I don't know about using a speed handle (kinda doubt it though) but when I change the oil in my truck it takes 3 - 4 seconds at idle for the oil pessure gauge to respond.
Steve :steering:
Steve :steering:
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (stpman)
Just buy an oil pump primer for a power drill, and spin it till oil squirts into the valve covers
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
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From: Vancouver BC, Canada
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (Oldguard 7)
don't confuse priming the pump with priming the engine.
when a new oil pump is installed, it must be primed, i.e. be wet inside before it will work. this can be done by hand or with a tool; it doesn’t take much. priming the engine is often done on a new engine with a modified distributor or a similar fixture powered by a hand drill. you need a strong fast drill to see the oil flow up to the valves, but it does a good job of supplying all the bearings and cam with fresh clean oil.
when a new oil pump is installed, it must be primed, i.e. be wet inside before it will work. this can be done by hand or with a tool; it doesn’t take much. priming the engine is often done on a new engine with a modified distributor or a similar fixture powered by a hand drill. you need a strong fast drill to see the oil flow up to the valves, but it does a good job of supplying all the bearings and cam with fresh clean oil.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (Turbo-Jet)
Cam, thanks for the explaination. I was wondering if that mechanical priming did indeed allow the oil to reach the crank bearings.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,154
Likes: 3,959
From: Connecticut, USA
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (1970 Stingray)
get a plain old chevy point distributor at a swap meet. Remove the guts and end gear. Cut the top of the shaft off and either weld a nut on or have it turned to fit into the chuck of a drill. Install the distributor and get an old oil presure gage-also at the same swap meet, and plumb it into the 1/8" hole by the distributor. Run the drill until you have 30+ psi of pressure.
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
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From: Union Ontario
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (paul67)
Remove the hot wire to the distrib and crank engine until you see pressure on the oil gauge.
Definitely not good for a brand new engine. But its what I always did when I fired the vette up in the spring and that engine lasted for 12 years at least.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (MikeC)
Sounds like I cat get around the drill. Thanks for lettling me know the difference between priming the pump and priming the engine. How powerful a drill will I need. I have a small Black and Decker hand drill. It that powerful enough to allow oil to reach the valve train?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (Oldguard 7)
How powerful a drill will I need. I have a small Black and Decker hand drill. It that powerful enough to allow oil to reach the valve train?
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21
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From: Rocky Point NY
Re: PRIMING OIL PUMP/ENGINE (Oldguard 7)
Oldguard,
Just an additional comment. I bought the MR gasket engine/oil pump primer to prime my engine a couple years back and the guy I bought it from told me that the cheaper model which was all he had would only get oil up to one head. This guy owns a engine rebuilding shop.The more expensive one would get it up to both heads. I think the better primer had the gear like the other posters are telling you to use. I bought the cheaper model but made sure to save some oil and pour on I think the left head but not totally 100% on that. Anyway just something to keep in mind. Good luck!!
Rich
Just an additional comment. I bought the MR gasket engine/oil pump primer to prime my engine a couple years back and the guy I bought it from told me that the cheaper model which was all he had would only get oil up to one head. This guy owns a engine rebuilding shop.The more expensive one would get it up to both heads. I think the better primer had the gear like the other posters are telling you to use. I bought the cheaper model but made sure to save some oil and pour on I think the left head but not totally 100% on that. Anyway just something to keep in mind. Good luck!!
Rich
