bugeye 948 rebuilt engine - no oil pressure,

[ichthos]

I had casually mentioned that I did not have oil pressure when I was talking about polarizing my generator, but I thought it would make more sense to start a new thread. I added oil where the banjo bolt goes in. I also screwed in a nipple and added oil through the oil gauge line hole by pumping it in with one of those gear oil pumps. After doing this I turned on the ignition, pulled the starter, and still no oil pressure readings at the gauge. I am going to take apart the copper line at the block and the silver line that goes to the oil pressure gauge to see if anything is blocked. The oil/temp gauge was rebuilt, so I do not think it is the problem. Is there a way to check for oil pressure without the oil/temp gauge working? I want to fire up this engine, but will not do so until I am sure I have oil pressure. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
Kevin

 

[smaceng]

Kevin,
Whatever you do, do not turn on the ignition AND pull on the starter cable until you have oil pressure first. I would try filling up the oil filter with oil. Then turn the engine over with the ignition off. If that does not work, substitute a known good oil pressure gauge for the BE unit. Or you can just take the oil pressure line off of the gauge and stick it in a jar. That way when it starts to squirt, you know you have pressure.
My BE rebuild took about 30 seconds of crank before it got pressure.
Good luck,
Scott in CA

 

[ichthos]

Scott, I just got back from the garage. I definitely have oil pressure. I took off the oil pressure line at the fitting and had my wife pull the starter. I did see oil being pumped out the fitting. I have to go to bed already, but I will pull the lines tomorrow to see if there is any blockage. I forgot to mention I do have the rotor out, so there is no chance of it starting.
Kevin

 

[DrEntropy]

Take th' plugs out, too, Kev. The O/P-temp gauge is not electric so no need for iggy on to see pressure.

 

[ichthos]

I wasn't sure if electricity was involved, so that is why I had the ignition turned on. I have the distributor cap off too. Does taking the plugs out make it easier for the oil to circulate? When I get the pressure gauge to work, what would I do next before I start the engine? How can I ensure oil has coated everything before I start the engine?
Kevin

 

[smaceng]

As said above, take the plugs out.that's about it. I think you said that this engine has been sitting for a long time, right? I might put a half a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder. Once you get verified pressure, put everything back, plugs, cap, rotor, set the timing, check for gas in the SU bowls, get the fire extinguisher handy, open the door to the garage. Go for it.

 

[jlaird]

Pulling the plugs makes compression 0. Therefor the starter does not work as hard in fact hardly works at all also turns faster.

 

[ichthos]

Thanks for the info. If I understand why I am doing things, it helps me remember things better. Hopefully I will get a chance tonight to spend some quality time with my Bugeye. I already have a fire extinguisher handy.
Kevin