SB oil pump priming

[Sonny]

Just replacing my ‘78 360’s oil pump and don’t particularly want to pull the dizzy again to insert the priming rod. Can I prime the pump by hand? If so using oil? Assembly lube? Other? Not an engine rebuild so engine is primed already.

 

[Bill Monk]

Just replacing my ‘78 360’s oil pump and don’t particularly want to pull the dizzy again to insert the priming rod. Can I prime the pump by hand? If so using oil? Assembly lube? Other? Not an engine rebuild so engine is primed already.

Yes oil, but I know of no way to prime it properly without removing the distributor

 

[727]

Could you pump oil into the engine through the sending unit port? While slowly rotating the engine with a breaker bar and socket. May keep you from messing with the timing.

 

[bm02tj]

Oil pump before install so it is not dry inside

 

[727]

You can pack some grease in the pump. That will help it pick up suction quicker

 

[rumblefish360]

Could you pump oil into the engine through the sending unit port? While slowly rotating the engine with a breaker bar and socket. May keep you from messing with the timing.

Of an effective method. Waste of time.

You can pack some grease in the pump. That will help it pick up suction quicker

Bad idea. “Grease” is not oil. It is thick and can restrict.

To the OE poster, ether pull the distributor or just install the pump and start it up.

Now I’m sure there is going to be a line of guys screaming don’t do this. I say, do you really think your engine is pressurized after it sits all night? If so, your only kidding yourself.

Even worse is high mileage engines. They bleed down and out in an hour or less. Worn engine do it in a minute. But yet everyone hope right in and starts it up and goes.

The oil pump will pressurize the engine in a few seconds. Just like every morning when you get into the car to go to work.

 

[727]

Man the Rumble fish must really not like me. I was just offering options.

I have put grease in several oil pumps without issue. It keeps them from rusting if they sit unused for a while. If you rotate it with the cover off most of it squishes out. Whats left fills in the small clearances and helps the pump pick up right away. I wouldn't use a heavy or waxy grease just something that dissolves quickly. Hell Vaseline would work.

 

[rumblefish360]

LMAO, naaaaa, I’d just would not do that myself. And I don’t think his stuff is set to sit. What the heck would it rust up anyways? Leaving it out on there he picnic bench for a few weeks?
The oil pump should have extremely close clearances since it is a new unit. I have been down this road a few times and I have never had an issue with install and go.
Engines that sit all winter or in my case a few times sadly a few years have always pressurized very very quickly. Lifted tap was never more than a few seconds. Less than 5. That same engine is still running just fine today. I have had it 15+ years. It will sit all winter starting in early November and start up in spring is the last week in April.

All I have ever done is change the fluids in April and give it fresh gas in the tank and fuel bowls.

BAMM! Right up!

 

[Steve Garner]

Many factory service manuals call for packing the pump with light grease. There's nothing wrong with that and it won't plug anything. I don't do it, but there's nothing wrong with it.

On engines where the pickup is attached to the pump I turn the pump upside down and fill it with oil through the pickup tube before I install it, turning the shaft as I do it until I see oil coming out the outlet side. Whatever stays in when you turn it right side up is pretty much exactly what you would have left in there from the last time it was shut down.

Fill your new oil filter with oil before you spin it on.

If you're really concerned about a dry start you can pull the coil wire and crank it over a bit with the starter. If you've prefilled everything as I described above, the light will go out while cranking it.

 

[727]

Maybe in NY things don't rust. In the hot humid south everything not coated will. Even in my shop.

 

[rumblefish360]

Maybe in NY things don't rust. In the hot humid south everything not coated will. Even in my shop.

LMAO! That’s funny. Come on up to the due belt after you get your tetanus shot! Have a look around. ;)

 

[727]

I'll pass on the invite. Used to work in Elizabeth NJ. Got family in Manhtan and Upstate NY. Not for me. About the only thing I like about NY is you guys gave us Donald Trump!