No oil to topend while priming(drill)
01-14-2008, 09:03 AM
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No oil to topend while priming(drill) I'm about to install my new engine in the Impala. I was priming the oil pump (drill method) and wasn't getting any oil up throught the lifters/pushrods to the rockers. I tried five times running the drill about a min each time. I'm getting oil pressure through my oil cooler line and to the sending unit. Maybe the drill isn't enough to pump up the lifters? I've never had a problem with GEN I SBCs in the past. If anyone has more info let me know. Thanks
01-14-2008, 11:01 AM
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Lets say the ball is missing and plug is in its place, where would be the best place to buy a new one fast? I could just pull the one out of my old engine, but I would rather buy one. Also wouldn't if the ball was missing I wouldn't get flow through the filter and cooler lines? I'm getting plenty of flow there buy I could be wrong about how oil flows.
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01-14-2008, 01:59 PM
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If that ball were missing you would still get good oil pressure and oil flow. You would simply be bypassing the oil filter, (and cooler)
What hydrualic lifters do you have? If they are Morel or similar (CV, Bullet) then they are packed with grease and that grease is hard to remove.
Also, you can check for the ball, (or soft plug which is usually what is put in place of the steel ball), by looking down from the top of the motor. Use a strong flashlight and look down the port at the oil pressure switch.
hth,
Karl Ellwein
What hydrualic lifters do you have? If they are Morel or similar (CV, Bullet) then they are packed with grease and that grease is hard to remove.
Also, you can check for the ball, (or soft plug which is usually what is put in place of the steel ball), by looking down from the top of the motor. Use a strong flashlight and look down the port at the oil pressure switch.
hth,
Karl Ellwein
01-14-2008, 04:26 PM
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I'll checkout the ball through the sending unit if I can. I know for sure I'm getting oil to the filter and cooler lines because when I first started priming I forgot to tie the two lines together with a hose and lost 2 qrts. of oil on the floor. The lifters are stock new ones and are super clean and I soaked them in oil. I may just have to start the car up and wait for a minute and see If I'm getting oil upstairs.
01-14-2008, 08:43 PM
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I pulled the oil sending unit and check ball is down there. I just think the drill isn't enough speed to get the oil through the lifters. I let the drill run for about minute each pass and did that five times.
01-14-2008, 10:47 PM
#12
You need to try it without stopping, when you shop you lose all the pressure you started to build. If oil doesn't show with 2-3 min of priming then I would worry about it. You just want to make sure whether you really have a problem or not, you know?
01-14-2008, 10:54 PM
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How many RPM does the drill turn? Most conventional drills do not have the "umph" to get oil to the top of the engine. As suggested you can try to prime it longer. I had a right angle drill that could barely get oil to the top after about 3 minutes of trying, but oil never made it through all the pushrods.
