Oil priming question

[Juan Veldez]

Just want to confirm that when you prime the engine with oil on a LA small block, the direction to spin the oil pump is clockwise - correct?

 

[MOPARMITCH]

Just want to confirm that when you prime the engine with oil on a LA small block, the direction to spin the oil pump is clockwise - correct?

Yes, if the firing order is clockwise. I have only built big blocks, and in that case counter clockwise.....

 

[Adam]

You will/should feel a lot of resistance when the oil pressure builds up; also maybe plumb in a mechanical oil pressure gauge, temporarily, to confirm you have good pressure.

I did a Magnum swap on my old Ramcharger, the factory gauge & sender always read low and was a concern. but the mechanical gauge reads 40 psi at idle, cold, which is good to know.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

If the engine was assembled correctly I would rely on the brg lube etc over pre-oiling as you don't want to wash the brg lube out

 

[Juan Veldez]

If the engine was assembled correctly I would rely on the brg lube etc over pre-oiling as you don't want to wash the brg lube out

I know, right. I have always wondered why you do both. For me, I just want to make sure the oil is getting up where it belongs before slapping it in the car.

 

[Challenger RTA]

I know you know what you are doing. I would do it in the morning after a few cups of coffee. Priming only needs to be about the time of the video. Rotate and do the other side.

Try this I think it's same for the LA block.

The big block Chryslers that the right bank (2,4,6,8) will prime when #6 cylinder is on TDC and the left bank (1,3,5,7) will prime when #8 is at TDC.

 

[Juan Veldez]

Just received the new gaskets for the 90 degree oil filter adapter from Mega Parts. Copper gasket for the end of the bolt and a white "plastic" style gasket for inside in lieu of the cork one that I was not thrilled about. And a new bolt, that I do not need, but will probably use.

Also received my signed book from "Killer Chick" Kim Campbell, an A-10 pilot with a great story. Also included was a "Brrrttt" bottle of whiskey. Great day indeed - cheers!

 

[Juan Veldez]

I know you know what you are doing. I would do it in the morning after a few cups of coffee. Priming only needs to be about the time of the video. Rotate and do the other side.

Try this I think it's same for the LA block.

The big block Chryslers that the right bank (2,4,6,8) will prime when #6 cylinder is on TDC and the left bank (1,3,5,7) will prime when #8 is at TDC.View attachment 154500View attachment 154501 View attachment 154502

I go by "Juan Veldez" so doing anything important is always best completed after coffee. -John

 

[Xcudame]

I usually prime the engine within minutes of start up. Run the pump, turn the motor to verify oil to both rocker arms and stop at #1 TDC, pull out the priming tool, drop in the intermediate shaft and distributor, fill up the carb fuel bowls and hit the ignition. Then run at 2500-3000 rpm for fifteen minutes when the engine fires! Shut it off, double check for any leaks, then first test drive!

Always check out that the ignition is functional and the coil and distributor are getting power after installing the engine in the car. I like to install the engine with the intake off and a pair of "painting" tin valve covers in place with no fasteners.

Side story, I had just put a nice 350 motor that I built (only Chevy I built) in my wife's 69 Malibu. I filled the carb fuel bowls and had her hit the ignition. It started right up on fast idle and she turn off the ignition!! WTF! She said it was too loud with the open headers and thought something was wrong!! Needless to say, my niece or son helps with the cars now when I need more hands!