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How to::: Priming An Engine

1K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  cobalt327 
#1 ·
Hey guys I am ready to put my engine back in my truck. Everything is together. How do I prime the oiling system??? Also can I go ahead and have a oil pressure gauge hooked up while I prime to get a pressure reading????
 
#2 ·
priming

its best to use something to turn the pump. either and old dizzy or a special tool... and yes u should use a gage to make sure your getting pressure... for me, i'd recommend turning the engine over while pumping. but most times thats a pain without the starter doing it. BUT.. make sure u know where it is so u can put in the dizzy... either right or 180 out..
 
#5 ·
How to::: Priming An Engine

Here is an inexpensive tool to use to prime your engine. Summit Racing® Oil Pump Primers SUM-901010 - SummitRacing.com. Install in a drill and prime until you see oil at the rockers. Once you see oil at the rockers stop after about 30 seconds. You don't want to wash the engine lube away priming too much. You do not turn the engine over with the starter motor to prime the oil system. :nono:
 
#6 ·
No one has asked, but exactly what engine are we talking about?

For most, the "old distributor" is the best way. The gear must be removed and the top of the shaft "cut off" so it can be chucked in a drill. Chevys and some others rotate clock-wise, so any good 3/8" or bigger drill will do the job. Most eniges turn CCW, so a reversable drill is necessary. Anything over about 60 lbs. pressure will "like" a 1/2" drill much better. Certain engines REQUIRE a distributor housing or other bushing mechanism in order to properly transfer oil across the lifter galleries. Chevys and some V6s are this way. Others don't have the oil passage across the hole, but using a housing keeps the whole thing nicely centered. We have one with the teeth machined off the gear so it gets a good "bite" all around the oil pump drive (GM), and use the appropriate housing (Chevy, Pontiac, Buick; Olds is a "hex").

If you don't have a drill to do the job, a "speed handle" will do it, just not as quickly. One can easily "hand pump" 50 lbs.

FWIW

Jim
 
#7 ·
OK guys i went to the parts store and got the tool to do this. I hooked the gauge up and started. Oil pressure is at 50 but and there are 4 or 5 rockers I cant get oil to come out of. I took those push rods out and made sure they were cleaned out and I still cant get oil to come out of those rockers. The other rockers have good oil coming out. Is it ok to say that everything is good or is something wrong. Keep in mind I just pulled this engine out of my truck to change rear main seal and new gaskets so I wouldnt think anything is wrong. By the way its a sbc Need help asap, start new job tommorw
 
#9 ·
Priming

as rich said.. i changed my cam a few months ago and got the same as u mentioned.. most got oil some didn't.. after turning the engine i got oil everywhere.. but u really need to pay attention where the motor is and after u turn it.. as i mentioned above.. you'll end up at TDC or BDC.. that'll put the dizzy correct or 180 out.. if your running a 350 chebby and the timing marks are 6 and 12 then the dizzy needs to be put in with #6 firing. one full turn point it to #1 cyl.
 
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