engine priming question

[JimG]

Hi all,
I've had my car in dry layup (all fluids drained) for about a year, and am wondering if there is a need first of all, and if so, preferred procedure to prime engine with all components installed and in the car.
Thanks for any and all advise.
Jim

 

[ryan319]

not sure if you need to prime it, but it couldn't hurt.

you can pull the cam sensor and prime it with a drill.

or

unplug the orange wire near the battery and just turn the key. the orange wire will keep the car from starting while engaging the starter, thus cranking the engine and turning the oil pump.

 

[87geeinn]

If the car has been sitting for a year and the oil pickup tube has been uncovered and not submerged in oil, it's a safe bet to say that the pump has probably lost it's prime.

I just went through a situation like this where my oil pickup was left uncovered for a few days while I did some engine work. I spun the motor over several times for about 30 seconds. Even with the spark plugs out (thus, making the motor spin quicker), I still didn't have oil pressure when I started it up. I ended up having to pull the cam sensor and priming the pump with a drill. Even then, it took about 2-3 minutes with the drill on high speed for the gears to finally bog down and get oil to the rockers.

If you don't have a priming tool, you can find the closest Harbor Freight and pick up this one. It was $12.99 in the store and worked perfect. Or you can go to GhettoZone and rent one for free.

That said, I would definitely prime the motor. It's really easy. Hell, setting the cam sensor is harder than priming the motor.

 

[JimG]

Thanks for the replies and the link.
I will follow the sound advise provided.
Jim