I just finished a rebuild of a '51 8BA. It's basically stock with a 4" Merc crank. I added an oil filtration system from Motor City Flathead. I'm using Frank Oddo's book as a guide. When I tried to build oil pressure by removing the spark plugs and turning the engine over with the starter I couldn't get any oil pressure. Finally, I removed the fitting at the pan and cranked the engine. Oil came out of the line but not in a solid stream. just little spurts of oil/air. I am afraid to crank it too much as the bearing surfaces are only coated with assembly lube. Any suggestions? I have removed the engine and pan. The brided oil line is straight, not kinked and the pick-up tube is clear. I'm thinking/hoping the starter does not turn the pump fast enough to build oil pressure or even prime the pump.
Any help would be appreciated.
Frank

 

Hi Frank,
Go to this link and you'll find a bunch of info on various full-flow filtration systems. Scroll down to the oil section and select the one for full flow filter. It has info on just such a problem with the MCF system.

http://www.btc-bci.com/~billben/flathead.htm

Basically, don't pre-fill your filter.

 

You have to turn the pump at some speed to pump oil, you stated you lubed everything on assembly, crank the thing over enough to see what you've got. Your not going
to ruin anything in minutes if you did lube everythin as you said. I'd have fire coming out
of the exhaust at idle and watch the gauge.

 

play safe and make sure the pick up is not hitting the pan . i had 1 motor where it was right on the metal no oil pressure.

 

Did You Find The Problem ?? If So Please Let Me Know What It Was.

 

I sent the pump back to Motor City Flathead and they tested and returned it to me. The starter just easn't turning the pump over fast enough to build oil pressure. The engine is going back together now and I hope to start it soon. MCF did say not to prefill the oil filter.Thanks for your help.