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Engine oil priming
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:47 am
by gruhsy
https://www.enginelabs.com/features/pri ... r-bbc-sbc/
I’ve often thought about doing this as it’s not hard to do. Just wasn’t sure what pump to choose.
Looks like this pump will do the trick.
Re: Engine oil priming
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2023 8:27 am
by Tom
I like that idea a lot! If you do it, please share details...

Re: Engine oil priming
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:35 pm
by Jay Wellwood
I'm keenly interested...
Re: Engine oil priming
Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:41 pm
by cda951
That is a neat idea. If I am working on an engine that has an oil pump drive that is keyed to the distributor or something like that, I can often find a way to chuck a drill to the drive and prime the oil system without using the starter. This is not possible with the 944 engine unless it has an external dry-sump oil pump.
However, if the spark plugs are removed and a jumper pack is connected to a fully charged battery, I do not understand how starter motor brushes would wear out from priming an engine's oil system (I don't have big block Chevy experience, though). I usually hit the starter in 20-second bursts with a cooldown period between each one, and oil pressure should eventually build.
That's how I've done it on most engines I've ever worked on, including the crappy BMW N20 and N55 engines with the poorly-designed variable oil pump, priming the oil system is absolutely crucial after repairs such as oil filter housing gasket or oil pan gasket replacement. Rod bearing failure is a real possibility if this step isn't followed, especially in the case of a poorly-maintained engine.