Ironhead Priming the motor with oil, best way?

Joker · #1 2 Weeks Ago

Ok guys were about done with the sporty. The only thing left to do is fill the oil tank and prime the motor. What I plan on doing is pulling the plugs, filling the oil tank and cranking the motor over until I get return oil back in the tank. I think I might even give a small shot of oil in each cylinder just to help. My question is, is there a better way to do this? Im pretty sure the motor is dry. Im going to fill the oil filter and put it back on but just thought that without the plugs and cranking it over should let the oil pump push the oil through the system.
If there is a better or easier way, let me know. I cant wait to hear this thing.
Thanks
Joker

russzx6 · #2 2 Weeks Ago

I always pull the oil pump first, put it in a tub of oil and make sure it is full of oil. Then, yes, plugs out and crank (only 10 - 15 seconds at a time so you don't overheat the starter) then have the oil return line to the tank removed so you can see when you get a good steady flow back through there (with most of the air bubbles gone) a squirt down each cylinder won't hurt either, just smoke you out a little when she fires

fdny37 · #3 2 Weeks Ago

The feed line from the oil tank goes right to the oil pump. If you fill the tank with oil and then take the sending unit out of the pump it will prime the pump. Leave it over night with a pan under the sending unit, it will only be a slow drip. Once the pump is primed you can start the engine and look in the tank for the oil returning. If the engine has assembly lube or has had the parts coated with oil you should be fine.

ericfreeman · #4 2 Weeks Ago

I use a large syringe with a tapered end, fill it with oil and stuff it in the oil feed line before fitting the line to the oil tank. Pump the oil through the syringe and you'll hear it gurgling as it passing throughout the engine. Sure-fire way to fill all the galleries along with priming the pump.

Eric

Joker · #5 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericfreeman

I use a large syringe with a tapered end, fill it with oil and stuff it in the oil feed line before fitting the line to the oil tank. Pump the oil through the syringe and you'll hear it gurgling as it passing throughout the engine. Sure-fire way to fill all the galleries along with priming the pump.

Eric

Are you talking about the line from the tank to the oil pump? Im going to have to pull a line it looks like cause I allready have all of them hooked up and tucked away. I have a big syringe that I use for pull oil out when they get to full so it should work.
Thanks for the ideas guys, the worst part of a build is the first hit hoping everything is where it should be.
Thanks
Joker

ericfreeman · #6 2 Weeks Ago

Yes, the line I used is the one coming from the bottom of the oil tank directly into the rear inlet on the oil pump. A couple syringe-fulls of oil and you can be assured the pump is primed along with all the oil galleries. Then reconnect the hose and fill the oil tank, leaving enough extra room for the oil now in the engine to be scavenged back!

Eric

Joker · #7 1 Week Ago

Well went out today and pulled the line from the tank that goes to the oil pump and shot it full of oil. Put it back on the tank, filled the oil filter and the return line from the motor. Put oil in the tank and cranked it over with no plugs. It rolled over real good and I could hear what was prob air coming out of the system back into the tank. Im letting it sit overnight without the oil tank plug in it and will see if it drains down any by gravity. I will go out tomorrow and roll the motor over a few more times and watch for return in the tank. Then put the plugs back in, dump gas and fire it. It will either go or blow.
Thanks
Joker

stonemaster · #8 1 Week Ago

Uh all dat aint so necessary. I squirt a little Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders, turn it over with no plugs a few times and Blam we had a winner.

IronMick · #9 1 Week Ago

I tried removimg the feed line at the pump until some oil dripped out of it. But that did not work, even after sitting overnight. I think because the pump and the return line were still full of air, and it will not pump air.

Then i removed the oil pressure switch, cranked the engine with plugs disconnected, got some oil running out, re-installed the switch - good to go. This works because the switch is on the output side of the pump, so the pump is full of oil.

As i recall, the FM for my former 1998 XL has this procedure.