Q about rebuilt startup oiling?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 22
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Q about rebuilt startup oiling? Due to my previous lifter/pushrod issues, I have replaced the lifters, pushrods, and installed new upgraded trunnion rockers.
With the spark plugs out, coils never installed, rocker covers off, I am turning the motor with remote starter button.
I also replaced the oil and filter.
Question: How much oiling on the rockers is normal at starter rpm?
It took 2-3 minutes cranking time to see any oil. I starting thinking I need to hook up a external oil pressure gage. Pulled Pressure sending unit, but did not have adapter to fit the bore, So I then pulled the gallery plug just below #1. I also did not have adapter to fit this hole (BTW, what size are these holes?), but oil started draining out, I assume coming back down from the head. Held my finger over the hole, turned the motor over, about 20 sec I could feel pressure build. Put plug back in. Then another 2-3 minutes I saw the rockers looked a little wetter than they were, wiped one down, and confirmed oil coming up pushrod, but very slow rate.
With the spark plugs out, coils never installed, rocker covers off, I am turning the motor with remote starter button.
I also replaced the oil and filter.
Question: How much oiling on the rockers is normal at starter rpm?
It took 2-3 minutes cranking time to see any oil. I starting thinking I need to hook up a external oil pressure gage. Pulled Pressure sending unit, but did not have adapter to fit the bore, So I then pulled the gallery plug just below #1. I also did not have adapter to fit this hole (BTW, what size are these holes?), but oil started draining out, I assume coming back down from the head. Held my finger over the hole, turned the motor over, about 20 sec I could feel pressure build. Put plug back in. Then another 2-3 minutes I saw the rockers looked a little wetter than they were, wiped one down, and confirmed oil coming up pushrod, but very slow rate.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,291
Likes: 3,616
From: Central Cal.
If the rockers are prelubed they should be OK for a while during cranking. Both needle bearings and bronze bushings (I forget which you have) can handle running without fresh lube for a while.
