Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: 62eldofan on November 23, 2021, 06:53:44 PM

Title: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: 62eldofan on November 23, 2021, 06:53:44 PM
Restored car that has been set up for 7 years. Getting ready to start up again. Any one find a tool that can be used to prime the engine. A lot of info on other cars on you tube and I can not find a priming tool other than cutting up an old distributor. Can also text me if you have some advice 919-630-0158
Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 23, 2021, 10:23:28 PM
Here is the oil pump primer I made for the task.

When I had the engine in pieces i simply used the factory shaft to create the tool by a bit of pounding on the tube to flatten the side, and inserted a roll pin to stop the tool from going too far down on said drive, and creating a tight joint.

I drove an old 1/2" socket onto the other end so I could use a Speed Brace to turn it.

As you will be puling the distributor, you could fashion the same end by copying the end of the distributor end.

Bruce. >:D

PS.   Plus, you have an email from the Moderators that requires your attention.

Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: fishnjim on November 24, 2021, 10:16:59 AM
There's a bunch of aftermarket devices out there, but not sure of any that specifically fit the 390, per se, but probably easily adaptable.   
If you don't find/make one, take the plugs out one by one, spray a shot of WD40 in each cylinder, re-install the plugs.  Turn by hand if able.   Disconnect the coil wire and just turn over(starter) until the oil light goes out.   Then reconnect coil wire and should have both oil and fuel.   I'd prime the mechanical fuel pump first, too.   As they don't like dry pumping.   Put 20 cc of gas down the carb if it doesn't fire right away.  Repeat as necessary, but after a few, it's not pumping gas.
Make sure you drain well and put fresh oil, trans fluid, and coolant in before starting.   Good time to change belts, hoses, too.
Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: J. Skelly on November 25, 2021, 01:59:55 PM
"If you don't find/make one, take the plugs out one by one, spray a shot of WD40 in each cylinder, re-install the plugs.  Turn by hand if able.   Disconnect the coil wire and just turn over(starter) until the oil light goes out.   Then reconnect coil wire and should have both oil and fuel.   I'd prime the mechanical fuel pump first, too.   As they don't like dry pumping.   Put 20 cc of gas down the carb if it doesn't fire right away.  Repeat as necessary, but after a few, it's not pumping gas."


To be clear, remove the coil wire from the top of the distributor cap so the car won't possibly try to start up before all of your prep is complete.  That makes good sense.  How do you safely prime the fuel pump?
Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 25, 2021, 05:18:11 PM
To prime a fuel pump, I create a suction at the point where the fuel line attaches to the Carburettor and this draws fuel from the tank, right through the pump to the top.

If I am doing this by mouth, I use a length of clear plastic hose so that I can visually see the fuel coming through, before I ingest the stinking stuff.

Bruce. >:D

PS.   Using an electric fuel pump is easier than the mouth.
Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: J. Skelly on November 25, 2021, 06:14:29 PM
thanks for the suggestion, Bruce; gasoline is not a beverage of choice!
Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 25, 2021, 07:26:02 PM
A lot better than syphoning a Diesel tank though.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: Caddylackn on November 30, 2021, 02:18:08 PM
If the motor has just been sitting for 7 years, I would just fog the cylinders, fill the carb bowl, then hit it with starting fluid to get it started on as few cranks as possible so it builds up oil pressure fast.

Removing the distributor you lose all timing, then you take your best guess on retiming it before starting it.  Guess wrong, and it will crank a long time before you get it corrected and get it started.  Whatever oil you primed up is now long gone, so you are starting it dry again. 

Some people will start long sitting cars with 2-stroke gas that has some 2 stroke oil in it for the cylinders, then switch it back to clean gas once started and running.

If the motor has been apart and has new rings, and or oil pump, cam, lifters or bearings, then I would for sure prime the oil pump.
Title: Re: Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 30, 2021, 05:33:26 PM
G'day Arthur,

You have another email from the Moderators for your attention.

Bruce. >:D