8 replies to this topic

[MrBounce]

I know I am probably going to get a few different answers for this but what is the ideal way to prime the oil pump before fitting? I have heard of the following choices:

 

1. Use engine oil.

2. Use engine build lubricant.

3. Use Vaseline.

 

The reason I am asking is because once the engine is built it is going to be a while before it's used and also I haven't sent my gearbox off yet so it might be a while before everything is together. I don't want to fill the pump with oil only to have it all drain out without my realising, so it then wrecks my new engine when I start it up.

[HarrysMini]

Just use engine oil, but don't do it until you're ready to start it.

 

Unless anyone has a better solution?

[mini93]

I'd use build lube for initial fittment and prime, its thick and designed to stick. then before starting the engine, back fill down the oil gallery with regular engine oil.

Leave the plugs out and spin the engine over and observe oil pressure before firing up.

Edited by mini93, 26 February 2014 - 10:20 PM.

[Gr4h4m]

I filled it with engine assembly lube, and the back filled it just before I started it for the first time. I did check I could get oil pressure with the coil pack off before getting it to fire.

[Guess-Works.com]

As above... build lube ( I can supply this by the litre if you want http://www.guess-wor...play.htm?id=493 )

[jaydee]

Certainly NOT vaseline

[The Principal]

agree with above, my method is to fill the pump with engine oil and fit as per normal then when ready to start for the first time try this -

 

spark plugs removed

 

with the oil transfer pipe disconnected from the block pump oil down the block hole you just removed the transfer pipe from until you can see the oil, then put the car into second gear and push it backwards (or jack it up and turn the wheels) until the oil is drawn into the pump and disappears from sight repeat 2-3 times to fully prime the pump.

 

reconnect the oil transfer pipe then still with plugs removed and engine full of oil crank the starter for a good 30 seconds until you acheive oil pressure ideally you need an oil pressure gauge to confirm healthy pressure.

 

** Important, do not start the engine until you have healthy oil pressure.

[MrBounce]

Brilliant. Thank you guys

[Gr4h4m]

What has my post gone green? I've never seen that before?