Oil Pressure Question

[cwestra]

I'm getting set to fire up my freshly rebuilt 340 engine.  If I crank the engine (with spark plugs removed) should I be able to see some movement on the oil pressure gage?  If so, approximately how long would it take to see the needle move.  I am just trying to confirm that the gage works and that oil is being pumped before I ignite the engine.

[Changin Gears]

You really don't want to do that, cranking a new engine/cam shaft could wipe a cam lobe.  Typically the carb is filled with gas so you don't have to crank a new motor very long before it lights.  A better way to check would be to pre-lube by driving the oil pump with a drill.

[cwestra]

You really don't want to do that, cranking a new engine/cam shaft could wipe a cam lobe.  Typically the carb is filled with gas so you don't have to crank a new motor very long before it lights.  A better way to check would be to pre-lube by driving the oil pump with a drill.

I understand.  Where is the best place to get hold of a priming shaft quickly?

[Changin Gears]

You could make one out of an old oil pump drive or allen wrench.  I made one once out of a piece round steel (30 years ago), ground away the everything that didn't look like an oil pump drive.

[moparniac]

A better way to check would be to pre-lube by driving the oil pump with a drill.

with the valve covers off also.... 

[tactransman]

I understand.  Where is the best place to get hold of a priming shaft quickly?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DCC-4286800/

[cwestra]

You could make one out of an old oil pump drive or allen wrench.  I made one once out of a piece round steel (30 years ago), ground away the everything that didn't look like an oil pump drive.

I actually just got back from Menards with some steel stock so I could do just that, make one.  Thanks.

[cwestra]

with the valve covers off also.... 

Is that for a visual, to see that oil is going all the way through or something else?

[422STROKER]

You need to rotate the engine a bit to do both sides.

Tom

[cwestra]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DCC-4286800/

Thanks.  Going to try and get something today, though.  That's a good price.

[cwestra]

You need to rotate the engine a bit to do both sides.

Tom

?

[moper]

the heads only get oil for a few degrees each crank rotation by design, and only one side at a time... so you have to turn the engine while turnign the priming shaft and look for oil in each head.

[tactransman]

Thanks.  Going to try and get something today, though.  That's a good price.

That's what I thought too,you can't make one for that,but if you need it today.......... good luck making one,I am sure it will work out fine. 

[422STROKER]

the heads only get oil for a few degrees each crank rotation by design, and only one side at a time... so you have to turn the engine while turnign the priming shaft and look for oil in each head.

That's what I meant.

Tom

[cwestra]

Great.  Thanks everyone.