Swapping Motors advice needed

[bandaid069]

First major engine swap. &#39

First major engine swap. '88 Merc 5.7... I had heard long ago that when replacing an oil pump that you had to prime it. This was some time ago and I'm fuzzy about the details. I am installing a remanned longblock which came with a new oil pump. Does it need anything done prior to running or just bolt it up? Thanks!

 

[guyjg]

When new cars leave the assemb

When new cars leave the assembly line they just start them and go. Don't know if it does any damage. Some people pull the distributor and insert a tool w/a drill and turn the oil pump to build up oil pressure within the engine prior to starting it. Then they have to reinstall the dist. and align #1 cylinder w/the dist. for correct timing. If your engine came w/o the dist. then I would make sure it has oil and prime the oiling system before installing the dist.

 

[bandaid069]

"Sounds like a good plan, than

"Sounds like a good plan, thanks"

 

[mistahays]

I use an old distributor shaft

I use an old distributor shaft with everything removed from the top and no cam gear. You can insert it and use your variable speed drill to spin the pump - which preoils the engine. A good idea for a new engine but not mandatory I suppose.

 

[chris777]

"you definatly want to prime y

"you definatly want to prime your oil pump.do yourself a favor and buy the correct tool,it should cost no more than $15,you can use a hacked apart old distributer if you have one laying around. i think i have even used a large flathead screwdriver with the handle hacked off.

all you have to do is insert the shaft (tool)into the distributer location and spin it with a drill,takes all of 30 seconds. if you dont know witch direction just spin it both ways,you will feel it when you get the oil pressure up. do this just before firing the engine.

i consider priming the oil system crucial on a new/rebuilt engine. "

 

[kainon]

"std rotation is clockwise for

"std rotation is clockwise for priming, rev rotation is counter-clockwise"

 

[smchaplin]

if you use anything but the to

if you use anything but the tool go at a reasonable speed so it dont jump out or break a side out of the shaft i know its pretty hard steel but is very possible