Small Block oil pump priming
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
Small Block oil pump priming
Hey Guys,
I am getting close to test firing our 351W. I've been told I need to prime the oil pump, but this seems to be a debated issue on various forums and the "proper technique" is all over the map. We have about 4 or 5 quarts of 30 wt oil in the pan and we about half filled the oil filter. I have a 5/16 socket on a 1/4" extension and it fits the oil pump drive shaft nicely. So...
1. Do I need to prime the pump?
2. If so, will my electric drill do the trick?
3. How do I know when it is primed? (Valve covers are installed)
Thanks!
Tyler
I am getting close to test firing our 351W. I've been told I need to prime the oil pump, but this seems to be a debated issue on various forums and the "proper technique" is all over the map. We have about 4 or 5 quarts of 30 wt oil in the pan and we about half filled the oil filter. I have a 5/16 socket on a 1/4" extension and it fits the oil pump drive shaft nicely. So...
1. Do I need to prime the pump?
2. If so, will my electric drill do the trick?
3. How do I know when it is primed? (Valve covers are installed)
Thanks!
Tyler
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
First of all, the drill will load down when the pump fills and starts creating pressure. This you will feel. How about the oil pressure gauge? Why not use it? You're surely not thinking of starting an engine without a pressure gauge. Let the drill run a few minutes after it picks up the prime.
Be sure you turn the shaft the right way and I forget which is correct.
Be sure you turn the shaft the right way and I forget which is correct.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Tucson, AZ
Bill and Ray,
Yeah, I've got a temporary mech gauge installed. I guess I assumed the drill wouldn't produce enuf pressure to show on the gauge, but if it will then that's easy. So sounds like I'm on the rt track. Thanks guys!! T
Yeah, I've got a temporary mech gauge installed. I guess I assumed the drill wouldn't produce enuf pressure to show on the gauge, but if it will then that's easy. So sounds like I'm on the rt track. Thanks guys!! T
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 80
From: tujunga, calif
It does turn counter clockwise so I hope you have a reversible drill motor.
Priming the pump to me is adding oil to the pump before installing it, most don't need it but I have seen a few that wouldn't start sucking. If it starts pumping you will feel it bog down the drill motor. The main purpose of doing this with the drill is to fill the filter, oil galleries. etc so there is oil when it first fires..
Priming the pump to me is adding oil to the pump before installing it, most don't need it but I have seen a few that wouldn't start sucking. If it starts pumping you will feel it bog down the drill motor. The main purpose of doing this with the drill is to fill the filter, oil galleries. etc so there is oil when it first fires..
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Bristol TN.
I wanted the guy that built my motor to be there when it started in case anything went wrong. He took an old "hand crank" ratchet with a 1/4 socket on the end (I think that's what size it was) cranked it till the mechanical oil pressure gauge read good pressure then we started it. Everything went great
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Rockingham, VA
I wanted the guy that built my motor to be there when it started in case anything went wrong. He took an old "hand crank" ratchet with a 1/4 socket on the end (I think that's what size it was) cranked it till the mechanical oil pressure gauge read good pressure then we started it. Everything went great
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
How long has it sat? I've never found it necessary to prime the oil system on a rebuilt engine if assembly lube was used and it hasn't set for more than 6 months. Just pull the coil wire to the distributor leave the throttle closed and turn it over until the oil pressure gauge starts to show pressure (shouldn't require more than 10 -15 revs) plug the wire back in push in the throttle and release to set the choke and fire it off.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Tucson, AZ
Thanks for all the info guys! It was rebuilt about 18-20 months ago and has sat ever since. I used my electric drill and it worked like a champ! Got full oil pressure in about 5 seconds. Ran it for another couple of minutes and called it good. We'll fire it up soon and post video. Hoping to have a starting party with all the folks who have helped us out on it (including FTE guys if you wanna make the trip to Tucson for the party 
. Bill (lorolr) is local so he's easy!
T
. Bill (lorolr) is local so he's easy!T
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 949
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From: Metro Detroit-MI
I built my 69 Mustangs 331 about 1 year ago and I havent started it since.. I will be priming it before attempting to start it in a month or so.
When I first built it, I didnt know about the reverse rotation (didnt even think about it) but I had the V/C off and looked for oil.. after a min or so I tried reverse and man o man did that change the way the drill (18v Makita) felt lol.... sure enough, oil pressure right away!
When I first built it, I didnt know about the reverse rotation (didnt even think about it) but I had the V/C off and looked for oil.. after a min or so I tried reverse and man o man did that change the way the drill (18v Makita) felt lol.... sure enough, oil pressure right away!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 258
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From: Tucson Arizona
Thanks for all the info guys! It was rebuilt about 18-20 months ago and has sat ever since. I used my electric drill and it worked like a champ! Got full oil pressure in about 5 seconds. Ran it for another couple of minutes and called it good. We'll fire it up soon and post video. Hoping to have a starting party with all the folks who have helped us out on it (including FTE guys if you wanna make the trip to Tucson for the party . Bill (lorolr) is local so he's easy!
T
. Bill (lorolr) is local so he's easy!T
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