Engine sat 3 years, oil pump question.

[jasonv]

Ok, so I am ready to start the engine after it has been sitting for a few years. Do I need to pull the distributor in order to spin the oil pump? Is that necessary? How long does it take to get the oil around and how can I tell if the new oil pump is working?

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Viperwolf1]

Just unplug the coil wire and crank the engine over until you see the oil pressure gauge start to move.

 

[recoiljunky]

Yes you need to pull the dizzy to spin the pump and yes I would do it before firing the engine up. You can feel it when the pump is primed. It requires more effort to turn.

 

[Steve]

Just unplug the coil wire and crank the engine over until you see the oil pressure gauge start to move.

After sitting for a few years I wouldn't do that; you'd risk wiping a bearing or worse. I'd pull the distributor and spin the oil pump with a drill. It takes a long 1/4" drive extension and a 1/4" socket. Spin it CCW. You'll feel it easily when it starts to build oil pressure. It doesn't take long.

I assume you've changed the oil?

 

[bax]

Anyone got a problem with taking the plugs out and spraying the bores with oil before cranking it? Sometimes a little rust will form in the cylinder and turning it over dry is hard on the rings. I am also a fan of pulling the dist to prime the pump. Change oil first.

 

[jasonv]

yep, new oil yesterday which reminded me I hadn't tightened the drain plug enough.

Jason

 

[Dave in Houston]

If you're going to spray something in the cylinders spray a little Marvel Mystery oil, and let it sit overnight. Be aware that it will smoke a little on start up as it burns the Marvel Mystery oil. But definitely pull the distributor and spin the oil pump to get some oil circulating to the bearings.

 

[broncnaz]

Id just crank it up a couple years is nothing if theres any rust in there its there no matter what. Oil pressure doesnt take long to come up a couple of seconds not much different than when you change the oil takes awhile for the filter to fill up. But then again you said you just changed the oil so it might be agood idea to prime it all up frist.

 

[Broncobowsher]

If it is a used engine, nothing needed. Just start it. I have done that to plenty of engines, many sitting for a very long time. Old international sat for 8 years.

Now if it is a fresh build that has never been fired, yes prime the pump with a drill

Small block Ford has the oil pump under the level of the oil. As long as there has been oil in the pan since it was last turned off, it is still primed and ready to go.

 

[bax]

You two guys from AZ that can store your unpainted steel outside for ten years and just have surface rust on it may be able to turn key dormant engines. However with the amount of moisture florida has in the air condensation becomes an issue. Yes cylinder bores do rust up and water does get in the oil so not everywhere is turn key situation. Change the oil, prime the system, oil down the cylinders, ( Marvel mystery oil is great) Turn the motor over with the plugs removed. Then get it ready to fire and hope for the best.

 

[Steve83]

This one sat for ~5 years. I cranked it, drove ~3 miles, & changed the oil, and it's doing great. I had to repair a bunch of other stuff, but the engine is fine.

 

[Dave in Houston]

I think this is one of those cases where "an abundance of caution" would say to prime the pump and oil the cylinders.
But you could probably simply start it up without any problems. But there's always that chance, however small, that you may have problems. Wiping a dry bearing on start up is a pain, and unnecessary. So it's up to Jason whether to be super cautious and oil it up, or take the chance and fire it up.
I bought an engine last year that I was told was recently rebuilt. Being the anal person that I am, I pulled the pan and all the bearing caps, plastiguaged every bearing and retorqued them. Pulled the heads and mic'd the cylinders, put new head gaskets and torqued her back up. Installed a new oil pump for good measure. Turns out none of that was necessary. But when I fired that engine up I KNEW it was good.

 

[rtj731]

You two guys from AZ that can store your unpainted steel outside for ten years and just have surface rust on it may be able to turn key dormant engines. However with the amount of moisture florida has in the air condensation becomes an issue. Yes cylinder bores do rust up and water does get in the oil so not everywhere is turn key situation. Change the oil, prime the system, oil down the cylinders, ( Marvel mystery oil is great) Turn the motor over with the plugs removed. Then get it ready to fire and hope for the best.

Did same left mine store in Florida foe 4 yrs. I removed plugs, put some marvel mystery oil in Cylinders, let sit overnight, then turn her over slowly by hand to work the oil within the cylinders. Waited an extra day primed pump and cranked her without plugs to ensure a good lubrication bath. Then sarted her up no problems. Hope this helps.