How soon to prime the engine?
Thread Starter
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
How soon to prime the engine?
I already primed my BBC while it was on the engine stand to make sure the rockers were getting proper oil flow. They were and I got to about 40lb pressure.
Now before I fire her up, how long before I actually fire it up should I again prime the engine? How long will the oil bath/lube last? Hours? Start engine asap after putting distributor back in?
Knowing me, it'll probably take another 30 min or more to re-install the distributor.
Now before I fire her up, how long before I actually fire it up should I again prime the engine? How long will the oil bath/lube last? Hours? Start engine asap after putting distributor back in?
Knowing me, it'll probably take another 30 min or more to re-install the distributor.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
That is what I did. Priming was the last thing I did then put in the dist. and fired it up. This way I knew I had the most oil I could get in the motor. You should be OK for an hour or two but every minute you wait it gets more of a chance to get back in the pan. 
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Originally Posted by Gordonm
That is what I did. Priming was the last thing I did then put in the dist. and fired it up. This way I knew I had the most oil I could get in the motor. You should be OK for an hour or two but every minute you wait it gets more of a chance to get back in the pan.
I was amazed as how long it took to get oil to all the rockers in a sb, had to take longer for your BB. Since you already primed it once it shouldn't take as long. Easy to do so why not do it right before firing it up?FIRE IT UP LEN!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,202
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From: cincinnati ohio
St. Jude Donor '09
What has always worked for me, After going over your pre run checklist, you do have one right?, is prime, turn crank 90*, prime, turn another 90* till you get back to where you started and fire it up as soon as you button it back up
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 144
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From: Neenah WI
OK, Glad I peeked in on this one as I am currently have a 383 stroker built for my car. As this is the first time I have had a motor this far, I never thought of priming it.
Could you post or IM me the pre start up checklist. I won't be putting the motor in until March but any info now is good.
Could you post or IM me the pre start up checklist. I won't be putting the motor in until March but any info now is good.
