Priming engine oil

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nodemon

nodemon

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It's been recommended to me to prime (oil) my engine before I start it. The engine has been sitting in my climate controlled garage for 3 years. It was not a fresh build...it was a running engine when I purchased it, but still recommended..??
I bought the priming rod and somewhat understand the process with some limited research.
The engine and transmission are installed. I know I need to take out the drive gear. I've read that it should be marked someway of how it was sitting. Problem with that is, it fell out a few years ago when it was on the engine stand. At that time, I put it back in place following whatever instructions I found at that time, but not really confident in what I did then and my memory now.
(1) So, when I prime, do I need to install spark plugs..?
(2) Should I hook up an oil gauge..? (3) Should I still turn the crank by hand while priming with engine and tranny already in car..? (No starter yet)
(4) Do I have to take valve covers off..?
Lastly, when I install the drive gear, how do I make sure it's correct..?
Thanks..!!
 
if you're unsure where the gear is now, i'd do a full reset-- bring it up to #1 TDC firing, check the balancer (or secondary mark) and then install the gear with the slot facing the intake bolt per the FSM. drop the distributor in and confirm that the rotor is pointing to the #1 terminal in the cap.

normally i'd say just yoink the valve covers and prime it till you get oil up top. but because you've got to reset the gear you don't have anything to lose by turning the motor over.

you don't need the plugs and it'll make it easier to turn over with them out. you should take the valve covers off to confirm that you have oil. the gauge can be helpful in assuring you have pressure but is not entirely necessary.
 
junkyardhero said:
if you're unsure where the gear is now, i'd do a full reset-- bring it up to #1 TDC firing, check the balancer (or secondary mark) and then install the gear with the slot facing the intake bolt per the FSM. drop the distributor in and confirm that the rotor is pointing to the #1 terminal in the cap.

normally i'd say just yoink the valve covers and prime it till you get oil up top. but because you've got to reset the gear you don't have anything to lose by turning the motor over.

you don't need the plugs and it'll make it easier to turn over with them out. you should take the valve covers off to confirm that you have oil. the gauge can be helpful in assuring you have pressure but is not entirely necessary.
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I have the covers off.. Should I see oil coming out somewhere when I'm running the drill..? I see some oil around the springs and just a little at different spots on the head...but not seeing oil "move"
 
You will only get oil flow at the rockers when the cam is in the correct rotation . You will need to rotate crank slowly while priming the pump ( in the correct rotation also}
 
RAT ROD AL said:
You will only get oil flow at the rockers when the cam is in the correct rotation . You will need to rotate crank slowly while priming the pump ( in the correct rotation also}
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Do you have to rotate the crank WHILE priming..or rotate a little then prime...
 
You will only get oil on 1 head at a time. then rotate crank I think 180* to get oil on the other head .
 
It would help to have a helper run the drill while you turn the crank slowly till you see oil flow at the rockers , let it oil a bit it will have to fill the shaft before it you turn for the other head. You have to figure out which way to spin the drill to actually pump the oil. I don't remember... BBs spins the opposite of SBs
 
Unless you have reason to believe there is a rocker arm issue, and it can be challenging to get the crank in just the right place twice to get oil to the rockers.
We're it me, I'd have a friend watch the pressure gauge or light, failing that set a mirror on the seat in a manner you can see either, then use drill till you have steady pressure on the Guage, or the light goes out .
Button it up and start it .
Good luck
 
i'll echo the above. unless you suspect a pressure issue or blockage up at the arms, if you've got oil moving around uptown i'd snap it back together and ship it.
 
RAT ROD AL said:
It would help to have a helper run the drill while you turn the crank slowly till you see oil flow at the rockers , let it oil a bit it will have to fill the shaft before it you turn for the other head. You have to figure out which way to spin the drill to actually pump the oil. I don't remember... BBs spins the opposite of SBs
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BB's counterclockwise.. SB's clockwise.
 
One time I primed the engine but didn't see any oil anywhere and kept priming because I wasn't sure how long it was supposed to take. I then started to turn the crank and oil shot out of the engine like old faithful. Stained the sheetrock on the ceiling.

Don't do that.
 
ESP47 said:
One time I primed the engine but didn't see any oil anywhere and kept priming because I wasn't sure how long it was supposed to take. I then started to turn the crank and oil shot out of the engine like old faithful. Stained the sheetrock on the ceiling.

Don't do that.
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I still don't see the oil...but 78 on the oil gauge..
 
nodemon said:
I still don't see the oil...but 78 on the oil gauge..
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Only 2 spots ( talking crankshaft positions) you will get oil out of rocker arm assys. You slowly rotate crank till you get visible oil out out of 1 side, stop for a bit and let oil lube up that side. Then, rotate crank about 180* and other side should get the oil flowing out/around rockers...
 
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I wonder if taking the valve covers off and removing the intake would be another option. What if they were removed and you poured oil all over the rockers, shafts, cam, lifters ext. You guys think you could get enough oil in there?
 
TF360 said:
I wonder if taking the valve covers off and removing the intake would be another option. What if they were removed and you poured oil all over the rockers, shafts, cam, lifters ext. You guys think you could get enough oil in there?
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When I put oil in a new build, I take both VCs off and pour oil all over the valvetrain and then prime the pump, and put the VCs back on and fire it up.

The cam/lifters are covered in assembly lube, so I don’t think it would be necessary to pull the intake on a new motor. But if you are the OP or have a used motor, that might not be a bad idea, and it allows you to make sure you’ve got a good seal on the intake.
 
fastnos said:
Only 2 spots ( talking crankshaft positions) you will get oil out of rocker arm assys. You slowly rotate crank till you get visible oil out out of 1 side, stop for a bit and let oil lube up that side. Then, rotate crank about 180* and other side should get the oil flowing out/around rockers...
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I finally hit the right spots with the crank... Tons of oil oozing out of both sides.. I feel I'm good to go and hoping to fire it up for the first time this weekend..! So curious to find out if it's a stock, mild or thumper cam..
 
Here's how to prime a small block Mopar (Just to pick a subject) Fill the pan to the proper level with fresh oil of the proper grade. Remove the distributor and the intermediate shaft, noting how the shaft was turned at TDC on the compression stroke. Have your drill with the hex rod ready. Have your half inch ratchet with proper socket for the harmonic balancer bolt ready. Remove the spark plugs to make turning the engine by hand easier. Lay a few old towels across the passenger side fender. Remove the passenger side valve cover and then remove the rocker arm assembly and lay it in the valve cover for safe keeping. Time to go in the house and get your lovely assistant (wife or girlfriend) off Facebook and ask her to come give you a hand for a minute. Insert the hex rod down thru the distributor hole and into the oil pump. Get your assistant to lean in over the passenger side fender to run the drill while you rotate the crank with aforementioned ratchet/socket. Set up camera to record results for future reference. Ask (don't tell) her to start the drill and don't stop, no matter what! Turn the crank with the ratchet until oil very obviously appears from the 2nd rocker shaft support from the rear, and then stop turning the crank. Take note on how long she runs the drill when oil appears. At this point, you may not have time to put your tools away before you have to hunt a new place to live for a few days.....if not forever.

Disclaimer: Newer and not very experienced guys take note. DO NOT do this! This was meant as satire to get a laugh from older, experienced guys who have indeed seen oil shoot across a fender and halfway across the shop.

:rofl:
 
JDMopar said:
Here's how to prime a small block Mopar (Just to pick a subject) Fill the pan to the proper level with fresh oil of the proper grade. Remove the distributor and the intermediate shaft, noting how the shaft was turned at TDC on the compression stroke. Have your drill with the hex rod ready. Have your half inch ratchet with proper socket for the harmonic balancer bolt ready. Remove the spark plugs to make turning the engine by hand easier. Lay a few old towels across the passenger side fender. Remove the passenger side valve cover and then remove the rocker arm assembly and lay it in the valve cover for safe keeping. Time to go in the house and get your lovely assistant (wife or girlfriend) off Facebook and ask her to come give you a hand for a minute. Insert the hex rod down thru the distributor hole and into the oil pump. Get your assistant to lean in over the passenger side fender to run the drill while you rotate the crank with aforementioned ratchet/socket. Set up camera to record results for future reference. Ask (don't tell) her to start the drill and don't stop, no matter what! Turn the crank with the ratchet until oil very obviously appears from the 2nd rocker shaft support from the rear, and then stop turning the crank. Take note on how long she runs the drill when oil appears. At this point, you may not have time to put your tools away before you have to hunt a new place to live for a few days.....if not forever.

Disclaimer: Newer and not very experienced guys take note. DO NOT do this! This was meant as satire to get a laugh from older, experienced guys who have indeed seen oil shoot across a fender and halfway across the shop.

:rofl:
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You said remove the rocker arm assembly and I lost it! Great way to get rid of that nagging woman in your life!
 
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