Oil Pressure / Engine on the stand

[Mad_Trbo]

I am in the process of building up a motor and wanted to check oil pressure before even putting the motor in the car.

I am thinking I can hook up a mechanical guage to the port where the oil pressure sending port is, use an oil primer to check this.

Does this make sense and if so, what sort of mechanical guage is recommended? Can I use any inexpense guage like a VDO, I haven't looke at the back of one of these and don't know if it will mate right up or not.

 

[Ormand]

Unless you have a stand you can run the engine on, testing the oil pressure won't mean much. If you can run the engine, then hook up an oil pressure gauge just like you would with the engine in a car.

 

[MSDGN]

Ormand...I disagree...he can't mimic the oil pressure the car will have when it's actually running...but he can at least see if he is getting oil pressure...I think it's a good idea...that way you can tell if there is a problem before installing the motor in the car...can save a lot of time...

Mad_Trbo...you have the right idea...hook a mechanical guage...doesn't matter what kind...to the port where the brass piece for the turbo feed line and oil pressure sender usually is...then spin the pump...should indicate that you are at least getting some oil pressure...if not you have a problem

 

[Squid4life]

I agree, MSDGN. It is always good practice to prime it on the stand to make sure you are getting oil everywhere you should be. If you are not getting oil to a rocker, better to find out on the stand than in the car.

 

[87GN_70GS]

It'll work but you'll only get a few psi. A drill motor supplies nowhere near enough power to turn the pump. Once it picks up prime, the drill will bog down big time. Also, it'll just about twist out of your hand. Good luck.

 

[Nick Micale]

We have seen as much as 70 psi oil pressure when testing on the engine stand. Normally, 55-60 psi is achieved

Every complete engine we build is tested for oil pressure before shipping. Verifying oil is getting to ALL the places it should is important. Have seen one head not oil on a new block due to oil passage issue.

 

[Squid4life]

I'm with Mr. Micale. I usually get 60ish with cold oil prelubing with a drill. You better have a strong drill. I use a Craftsman 1/2" electric. Cordless usually won't work unless it is a monster!

 

[Nick Micale]

Thanks Squid!

I'm with Mr. Micale. I usually get 60ish with cold oil prelubing with a drill. .......!

Thanks Squid, I have been called lots of things on the board, but "Mr. Micale" is a first!

We use an air drill by the way.