Timing of oil prime/engine start

[oldbee]

A bit of over processing here ! Lube the cam during install, prime the oil pump ... fire engine ... if you think it will make a difference, after you've primed the pump and verified oil flow and are done rotating engine over you can always pour more lube over the lobes with the intake off ....

Done that also.

 

[threewood]

And...use break in springs. I have two solid lifter motors still running good after not so stellar break-in. My GTX...I had to shut it off after 15 minutes because a plug wire caught fire and the temp was waaaay up there. Fixed the timing, replaced the wire, fired it up and back to revving above 2500-3000 for another 15 or 20 minutes. I used the single stock springs from my Stealth heads.

 

[Ranger16]

This might be a stupid question, but how soon after priming the oil pump/engine (340) on a fresh rebuild does the engine need to be started?
I've read conflicting reports, from 15 minutes to a couple of days. Does oil pressure suffiently hold for a while (like between normal starts)?

No, oil pressure drops to zero immediately after shutdown. It is very obvious if you have an oil pressure gauge in the car.

 

[JG1966]

No, oil pressure drops to zero immediately after shutdown. It is very obvious if you have an oil pressure gauge in the car.

Thanks Ranger. I didn't phrase it right. I should have said does oil presence not pressure hold for a while. Obviously, oil pressure goes to zero. I primed it yesterday. Got oil to both rocker arms and I'll do it again the day I start it up.

 

[oldbee]

As long as everything is at the right clearance you’ll have an oil film everywhere.

 

[JG1966]

Just wanted to post an update and thank everyone for their help. Broke in 340 today. Started quickly and ran fine. Oil pressure great and engine stayed cool. 2000-2,500 rpm for 20 minutes while my buddy who races Chevys (I know, but he's cool) kept an eye out for leaks. Tiny leak at oil filter but nothing to worry about. Thanks again.

 

[oldbee]

Glad everything went ok. It so often doesn’t!

 

[Bicylindrico]

I primed my engine with a 1/4" ratchet by hand. I think these things are made more difficult than they need to be. Just make sure the oil pump actually pumps oil and everything should be fine.