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Oil pump priming question?

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Powder

Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
299
Are there any drawbacks, problems, etc. with priming the oil pump while the engine is out of the car on a stand?
 
Except for dealing with the oil cooler lines, I see no reason why it should be a problem. That is given that the engine is getting ready to go in to the car. Of course if it stays on the stand for a long time after the pre lube/prime...
 
Yep, what he said...

If you prime it out of the car, you need to make sure that you'll have it back in the car and ready to crank the same day. Otherwise, your efforts will have been done in vain...
I cannot emphasize enough, just how important proper priming and cam break-in is for these motors. They inherently wipe cam lobes at start-up, usually do to improper break-in prep. Be sure you cover all lobes and lifter bottoms with Comp Cams moly lube, or a good equivalent! Use a bottle (or two) of GM EOS mixed in the oil too.

It's easy enough to prime the thing in the car with a speed wrench handle, adapted to a priming tool in the Cam Sensor hole. I've done it many times, and the only real side effect is a tired right arm...;)
Also, make absolutely sure you have the Crank Sensor in the correct slot, before trying to crank the car. Doublecheck all essential sensors to ensure it'll crank.
You really need the thing to start immediately, and build oil pressure thereof.
 
My program

I always prime out of the car, so if there's a problem, I'm not taking $hit off of the engine while standing on my head...:D
I have a remote filter base w/ a pair of lines on it that hook to the remote filter outlet/inlet on the pump. I then spin it up w/ a drill motor, check for correct PSI, look for leaks, etc.
1. The drill runs CLOCKWISE.;)
2. The pump cavity is packed w/ "sneaky cream".:D
3. The remote filter is full of oil, as are the lines.:cool:
Once the priming is done, the remote filter is opened and inspected for items such as old ty wraps, 3/8" sockets, etc..:p
If all looks well, the engine is installed w/ the trans bolted to it..MUCH EASIER, IMO....:)

Another trik I use w/ success: I glas bead the cam lobes. [NOT the brg journals!] I also polish the bottoms of the lifters w/ WD-40, 1000 grit paper, on the bandsaw table. [It's ground flat]
I pay attention to the edges of the lifters, as they can have snags on them.
These are "old timer" triks. I am old enuf to have known Jim Ruggles...these are some things he taught me.:cool:
 
Thanks for the valuable info. I think I'll do it both ways, on the stand for inspection purposes, and in the car prior to firing. I was hoping to avoid cam sensor issues with the engine in the car. I had the cam dry lube coated for extra break-in protection. I hope it was worth the extra expense.

MLH
 
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