why not prime/install dist after you drop it into the bay?

 

GW, I just fill the crankcase to capacity and prime away. IIRC the 289/302's take a 1/4" socket. Be sure to install a mechanical pressure gauge on the motor for reference.

Lman: 'cuz it's easier to fix a problem on the stand than in the car......

 

I always prime the motor in place and as the next to last thing before cranking (stabbing the dizzy being necessary last).


Breaking in a motor properly is the most important phase of it's life, bar none.

 

OK, Just what is the technique to prime an engine? Is this installing the starter and hooking a battery to it and then you stand back or hide behind some bricks? eeping:. For someone whos had an engine sitting in storage like me, it might be something I'll want to do when the engine gets mounted to the engine stand. Can a compression test be done while on the stand this way? Am I crazy to think this way? Probaby so...... ::

 

No you use a priming rod that you chuck into your drill, looks kinda like a long socket extension. Must have dizzy out to do this.

 

Brain dead here. Just realized that you can't do a starter turn over because no flywheel would be attached due to the engine stand bolts being in the way. Just wait to see how crazy I am after eating turkey......

 

Just a few points from my experiences. Most people don't have a priming rod. Just take about 12" worth of 1/4" extensions and tape them together with duct tape to keep them from falling apart and ending up in your oil pan. Then put your socket on the end and tape it to it also (I prefer deepwell so the tape doesn't get in the way). Make sure it will fit into the hole where the oilpump rod is and engage on the shaft by hand. I then prefer to use a cordless drill with an adapter to hook to the extensions. Here is the most important part!!! Turn your drill on REVERSE and spin away until you see oil coming out of every push rod thru the rocker arm!!! Then you are all done!! It may take a few minutes for the pump to prime before you start to see oil. You will be able to tell when the pump gets primed by when your drill starts to lug down a bit and try to spin out of your hand if you don't have a good grip on it. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks to everyone, I,also, had forgotten about the "reverse" part :: Thanks for the heads up... :highfive:

 

You must have one hell of a cordless drill! I ended up borrowing my neighbors massive, 1/2" drive, industrial style Milwaukee drill motor, as my 3/8 drive Craftsman would stall after about 5 seconds.