priming a new engine.. necessary? can i make a primer? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

ShaneBuss2 · 09-21-2002, 09:32 PM

Hey guys i have a new 383 stroker and ALL i'm waiting on is to prime the engine.. The builder said to prime it for 10 minutes before starting.

I hear its not necessary, but i definitely dont want to risk anything, what do yall think?

Also, can i make a primer out of my stock distributor? (from 92 firebird 305 tbi). I have no use for it anymore.

There are no stores around here that sell a primer, so i'd have to order one.

Engine is 10.25:1 compression.. solid roller lifter cam

Shane

rezinn · 09-21-2002, 10:01 PM

Yeah you can use your stock distributor. Just take the gear off and figure out how to stick it in a drill. I may have done the same with my stock dist. if someone didn't steal it in my msd box

dimented24x7 · 09-21-2002, 10:28 PM

thats what i did. Used a drill with a 1/2 in chuck and took the gear off. Heh... the distributer didnt mind it much... still works great.

lol... 10 minutes??? That engine builder must ahve a really strong drill... mine started to crap out after only a minute.

laiky · 09-21-2002, 11:00 PM

you should definately prime your motor, while you are at it i would put an oil pressure gauge on it to be sure you getting the right pressure ( i like to know before i start a motor if it has oil pressure) Prime it until you see oil flowing in the valve covers.

RB83L69 · 09-22-2002, 06:59 AM

I don't bother to do that any more, even as A-R as I am. The factory doesn't do it to new motors, and they seem to get along just fine.

I make sure everything is properly lubed as I build it, especially the valve train (every single moving part has lithium grease wherever it touches another part), that way there's no need for oil for at least a minute or so at initial startup.

If the short block is properly built, all clearances right and all parts installed in the right places, you won't have oil pressure problems.

IMHO all that fooling around is just a security blanket for people who don't have confidence in their own work.

ShaneBuss2 · 09-22-2002, 07:35 AM

what do yall think of these instructions? found them on a website... how to prime if you dont have a tool...

"If unable to pre-oil engine properly and mechanical experience prevents you from removing and reinstalling the distributor properly, the following procedures can be used to pre-oil the engine.

a. Remove coil wire and spark plugs, if not already removed.

b. Keeping an eye on the oil pressure gauge, crank the engine with spark plugs out and ignition disabled for 45 seconds!!

Oil pressure should climb after 10-15 seconds. If there is no oil pressure after 15 seconds stop and check the gauge, fittings, lines, etc.

After adequate oil pressure is attained reinstall spark plugs and coil wire. You are now ready to start and break in your new engine
"

Sounds better than nothing right? just let the starter turn it over even though it wont be running....

laiky · 09-22-2002, 08:42 AM

the purpose of primming is to circulate oil BEFORE spinning the engine

Jer82Z28 · 09-22-2002, 12:05 PM

I don't bother with that anymore either, If you've put the engine together properly, every friction point on the motor would be lathered with assembly lube. It takes quite a bit for that stuff to work it's way to the bottom.

It would benifit you more if you primed your engine every morning before starting it.

ede · 09-22-2002, 04:02 PM

i don't prelube a new engine eiter and i've built a couple with no problems.

ShaneBuss2 · 09-22-2002, 08:39 PM

Well it turns out Oreily autoparts had the oil primer.. i went ahead and bought one..

I tried it for a couple minutes but didnt get any oil coming through the rocker arms... maybe i should try turning the motor over?

seems like it was about to fry my drill so i stopped..

ideas?

ede · 09-23-2002, 04:32 AM

yeah don't worry about it you don't need to prime the engine. unless the prime tool is just like a distributor oil won't go to the rockers.

ShaneBuss2 · 09-23-2002, 07:27 AM

i talked to the engine builder and he said on a solid roller motor, its rare it goes to the rockers.

He just said to watch the oil pressure guage and make sure its getting pressure.

I guess i can pull the fuel pump fuse and turn the key forward and watch.

I'm sure its fine anywya.. thanks for your help.