Just a couple of engine questions...., On the oil system.... Options

[dbgriffith75]

It's a 2.0 motor with dual carbs on a '75

So I've never had an engine sit so long after reassembly before it's been fired up. But with the hold ups on my resto I haven't had a choice. It's been sitting for about 3 months since I got it put back together.

I did use assembly grease and an STP oil additive during reassembly as reccomended by the shop guy ("the shop guy" being the one whom I dealt with on having my case and heads boiled clean). I used the grease on the main components such as cam and crank bearings and wrist pin bushings because, obviously, it's going stay in place better than a regular oil.

The STP oil additive (as recommended by "the shop guy") I used in places such as the lifters and rocker arms and valves; also in the cylinders for the pistons.

Not that I'm trying to discredit "the shop guy" for recommending the STP as an assembly oil, but I'm just nervous about how well its stayed in place after sitting so long.

But I was also wondering if there's any way to prime the oil circulation system before you fire up an engine after a rebuild? I think this would help if there's not sufficient lubrication in place after it's been sitting. As far as rocker arms and valves go, I can probably pull the tappet covers off and hit those again, but the cylinders in particular are making me nervous. I'd hate to fire it up and scratch the shit out of the cylinder walls.

So what's the verdict here? Thanks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Dave_Darling]

A new engine will usually have its oil system primed before the engine is started. In a 914 you generally do this by disabling the ignition and cranking the starter until the oil pressure light goes out and you get oil pressure.

In my case, the pump would not prime when I did that. I wound up using a turkey baster to squirt oil up into the oil pickup, then buttoning up the motor again and re-filling it with oil. It primed after that, and I got pressure.


--As for the cylinders, you want them to be scratched, at least to some extent. That's what breaking in is about.

--DD