how to prime a bike engine oil pump that has stood for a few years since we got it off joel......ideas

spark plugs off, fuel off. remove the cover over the crank bolt (there was one on my R1) and rotate the crank using a socket on an extension bar. The engine will turn over as slowly as you want, drawing oil out of the sump. Removing the plugs will make it easier to turn and will reduce the load on the crank.

I'd also remove the oil filter, fill with oil and refit to ensure there's some oil near the pump. It might not hurt to pour some oil down the pipe from the filter to the pump.

on mine, I couldn't get pressure doing the above method (GSXR1100). I think the oil pump had dried out and it wasn't spinning fast enough to pump air.

I removed the clutch and oil pump gear. Then electric drill on the end of the oil pump housing (I used a bent allen key that goes through the oil pump drive shaft). Oil everywhere in no time!!!!

If I fill my engine using the camshaft breather then it primes using the conventional method.

I remember reading that it can take a lot of cranking (i.e. flat bike battery) to get oil pressure on some bike engines after they are totally empty.


Matt

Thanks lads we will certianly give that a whirl