Priming the Engine through the Oil Passage
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: chandler az
Priming the Engine through the Oil Passage
I'm sure somebody has done this before. On LS engines just above the oil filter there are two ports used for external oil cooling on the trucks. I'm not sure the corvette engine has it, but I want to pressurize and prime the engine by putting oil pressure in through that port, spin the engine over a few times and drain off the extra oil.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
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Pull the plugs when doing that (spinning the motor to prime) and the motor will crank with ease. Oil pressure will build quickly. That's how I primed my motor and filled my accusump after doing some internal work.
There is an oil galley plug at the front driver's side of the block that you could replace with a fitting and prime through there. The oil will try to go both through the oil galley and back into the pump. An oil filter must be installed. The other way is to use a block adapter, commonly used for remote oil coolers, at the back of the block above the filter. Install it and tap into the "in" port. that will directly prime the motor and go in the right direction, but its much harder to get to.
There is an oil galley plug at the front driver's side of the block that you could replace with a fitting and prime through there. The oil will try to go both through the oil galley and back into the pump. An oil filter must be installed. The other way is to use a block adapter, commonly used for remote oil coolers, at the back of the block above the filter. Install it and tap into the "in" port. that will directly prime the motor and go in the right direction, but its much harder to get to.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: North Port Florida
That will sure work, but you do run the risk of metal to metal contact until you have oil pressure.I think that's why he wants to pressurize the system first?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: chandler az
I'm going to look at that front plug. I've seen a picture of it on another website. I'm not really that worried about it. There should still be enough oil in the rings for a few seconds of the engine spinning. If this were a new engine that was freshly honed I would be more cautious.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 20
The easiest thing to do would be to install a remote filter adapter temporarily in place of the filter and attatch your pressurized oil source to the "in" side. Canton makes one as well as probably others.
http://www.cantonracingproducts.com/...ion&key=22-593
http://www.cantonracingproducts.com/...ion&key=22-593
