Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
01-31-2011, 04:47 PM
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Car: 84 Trans Am
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Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
Hey guys,
I recently purchased a rebuilt 350 from a professional engine shop. The engine came with a rebuilt oil pump. I installed the shaft in the oil pump and installed the oil pump on the engine. I installed the oil pan and then filled the engine with 4 quarts of oil by pouring through the distributor hole. I installed a pressure gauge at the port beside the distributor hole. I then rented a priming tool from AutoZone. I installed the priming tool and the round cap to seal off the distributor hole on the intake. I attached a corded drill to the tool and ran it clockwise. With my drill at full power, I was only reading 40psi on the gauge and NONE of the rockers had oil coming out. I ran it for about a minute until the drill started smoking a little bit.....what am I doing wrong?
Thanks,
Joe
I recently purchased a rebuilt 350 from a professional engine shop. The engine came with a rebuilt oil pump. I installed the shaft in the oil pump and installed the oil pump on the engine. I installed the oil pan and then filled the engine with 4 quarts of oil by pouring through the distributor hole. I installed a pressure gauge at the port beside the distributor hole. I then rented a priming tool from AutoZone. I installed the priming tool and the round cap to seal off the distributor hole on the intake. I attached a corded drill to the tool and ran it clockwise. With my drill at full power, I was only reading 40psi on the gauge and NONE of the rockers had oil coming out. I ran it for about a minute until the drill started smoking a little bit.....what am I doing wrong?
Thanks,
Joe
01-31-2011, 05:11 PM
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Re: Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
hollow push rod?
If so I think the engine has to spin over.
Id hate to admit I don't ever member checking that, long as you packed the pump with Vaseline it was a 100% success rate on the prime. [was never even a consern] So the only pre fire "test" was with the v-covers off, plugs out spinning the motor over till oil came out the top then fire it up.
If so I think the engine has to spin over.
Id hate to admit I don't ever member checking that, long as you packed the pump with Vaseline it was a 100% success rate on the prime. [was never even a consern] So the only pre fire "test" was with the v-covers off, plugs out spinning the motor over till oil came out the top then fire it up.
01-31-2011, 06:38 PM
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Re: Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
Chevy oil pumps are submerged, you don't pack them.
01-31-2011, 06:52 PM
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Re: Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
From everything I've read, I should be able to prime the pump and see oil coming out of the rockers....but I'm not seeing anything...that's why I am concerned and I want to make sure everything is correct before placing the engine in the car.
Joe
Joe
01-31-2011, 06:56 PM
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Re: Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
The Pickup and Tube most likley fell off if you didn't weld it or crimp it 
where it goes together at the pump.
where it goes together at the pump.
01-31-2011, 06:56 PM
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Re: Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
The drill doesn't have a lot of torque and speed to move a large volume of oil very quickly. It can take several minutes before you see oil up top.
Priming the pump isn't absolutely necessary in any case.
Priming the pump isn't absolutely necessary in any case.
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01-31-2011, 08:11 PM
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Re: Problems Priming New Engine/Oil Pump
On the primer, are there rubber O rings towards the oil pump end?
IIRC, they are only used in blocks that are machined or grooved specifically for use.
Question--
For priming the oiling system, is it ok to use the distributor without the coil hooked up for power??
Put in distributor, NO Power to coil, turn over motor using the starter??
Would that cause starter failure? I believe it would be rough on the battery, but it can be recharged.
IIRC, they are only used in blocks that are machined or grooved specifically for use.
Question--
For priming the oiling system, is it ok to use the distributor without the coil hooked up for power??
Put in distributor, NO Power to coil, turn over motor using the starter??
Would that cause starter failure? I believe it would be rough on the battery, but it can be recharged.
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