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starting after sump off
rodgling - 3/4/12 at 09:14 AM

I've just done a sump gasket change, so sump has come off. I don't *think* I will need to prime the pump, after all it's basically the same as doing an oil change, but then the pump pickups have been dangling in free air for two days instead of sitting in the sump so... who knows? I've tried starting it and saw no movement on the pressure gauge after about 2 seconds so turned it off again.

I'm very likely just being paranoid but how long can I safely idle it for while waiting for pressure? Or I should I remove plugs & fuel pump fuse, and how long can I safely spin it on the starter for?

cheers

big-vee-twin - 3/4/12 at 09:27 AM

After building my engine it had stood for 8 months with no oil, I turned the engine over a few times without starting it to try and prime the pump etc.

I did start it and let it run for about 10 secs before stopping, then started agin for about 30 secs and the light eventually went out.

I would build up the time over a few starts and then once the light has gone out let it run.

Difficult not to be paranoid

cliftyhanger - 3/4/12 at 09:40 AM

If worried take the plugs out, spin the engine until the oil light is out, replace the plugs.
The engine will spin up faster/easier and no compression to damage the big ends.

rodgling - 3/4/12 at 09:44 AM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
If worried take the plugs out, spin the engine until the oil light is out, replace the plugs.
The engine will spin up faster/easier and no compression to damage the big ends.


Yeah, I think that's the most sensible option.

If I do this, roughly how long can I safely spin it on the starter, 30 seconds maybe, or is it something I can do more or less indefinitely until I see pressure?

big-vee-twin - 3/4/12 at 10:05 AM

Yes, sorry I took my plugs out to spin it over and prime the pump, you can put some light oil down the bores too if you like.

I didn't get the oil light to go out on the starter, only when the engine started to run

macc man - 3/4/12 at 04:58 PM

My zetec was stood for months before I modified the sump & pick up pipe. Try as I might I could not get any oil pressure without priming the pump. Worth doing if the sump has been off imho.