News:

Due to a technical issue, some recently uploaded pictures have been lost. We are investigating why this happened but the issue has been resolved so that future uploads should be safe.  You can also Modify your post (MORE...) and re-upload the pictures in your post.

Main Menu

Engine oil priming after sitting for 7 years....1961 Cadillac

Started by 62eldofan, November 23, 2021, 06:53:44 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

62eldofan

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

The Tassie Devil(le)

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.

'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

fishnjim

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.

J. Skelly

"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?
Jim Skelly, CLC #15958
1968 Eldorado
1977 Eldorado Biarritz
1971 Eldorado (RIP)

The Tassie Devil(le)

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.
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

J. Skelly

thanks for the suggestion, Bruce; gasoline is not a beverage of choice!
Jim Skelly, CLC #15958
1968 Eldorado
1977 Eldorado Biarritz
1971 Eldorado (RIP)

The Tassie Devil(le)

'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

Caddylackn

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.
'61 Fleetwood 60- owned for 31 years
'61 Series 62 2-door - sold
'64 Series 62 2-door -sold
'67 Sedan De Ville - sold
'74 Eldorado Convertible - sold

The Tassie Devil(le)

G'day Arthur,

You have another email from the Moderators for your attention.

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe