Engine Priming

chuck03 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 10:48 AM

I am getting ready to start my Bonneville S/C after an engine rebuild. It has a distributorless ignition so I am at a loss as to how to prime the engine. Any ideas?

DanO · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 02:04 PM

Priming has nothing to do with ignition.

If you have electric fuel injection you shouldn't have to worry about priming. usually the ecu has a cold start enrichment programmed in.

WishIHadACamaro · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2006, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck03

I am getting ready to start my Bonneville S/C after an engine rebuild. It has a distributorless ignition so I am at a loss as to how to prime the engine. Any ideas?

r u talking priming the fuel system or just a run-in procedure for a new motor?

chuck03 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 08:50 PM

Priming for oil in the engine is really what I am worried about.

DanO · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 10:22 PM

I gotcha now..

Anyhow, you most likely have a 'self-priming oil pump' which means it doesnt need priming itself... however, you do still need to make sure the system is working. And by self priming, i mean that the pump is partially below the oil level...

You basically have 2 choices

1. remove spark plugs, squirt some oil in each plug hole(not much) and crank engine untill oil makes it through the system. Removing spark plugs will prevent any sideloading or forces on the pistons/bearings etc.. generally this will work fine and is how i do it when i rebuild our Formula SAE motors...

2. use an external pressure source and tap in at the pressure sending unit or oil filter. pump in oil at your desired PSI. This adds some peace of mind and is the better method. Of course it requires finding that pump/pressure vessel.

WishIHadACamaro · #6 (**permalink**) 02-24-2006, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanO

2. use an external pressure source and tap in at the pressure sending unit or oil filter. pump in oil at your desired PSI. This adds some peace of mind and is the better method. Of course it requires finding that pump/pressure vessel.

They sell oil system pressurized canisters that pressurize your oil system pre-ignition. They come in kits and come through catalogs like summit.

JunkyardTurbos · #7 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 02:31 PM

I just built my LS1 and just cranked it with the coils unplugged until it built pressure. Also, make sure to fill your oil filter. Mine fired up and got pressure right away. I think a lot of guys do it this way.

Rare4thgens · #8 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 12:57 AM

OK, don't do it with the coils unless you can be sure it won't carbon trail. Easiest and safest way is simply by disconnecting the fuel system fuse in the box in the engine compartment. This is what you do on a computer controlled car. Trust me. If you have an oil gauge on the dash, watch it until it reaches at least 40 psi. These cars do not have a self priming set up. Not for oil.