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Oil Pump Priming

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S

shorn

Jedi Knight
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I found that my oil pump for my BJ8 was worn and somewhat out of specs(end float .0025, gears .004) so I ordered a new one that should arrive today in hopes of raising the oil pressure (last post). After some research, I opted for the rotary style rather that the gear style originally used on the 8's. The rotary is suppose to put out more pressure at lower rpms. Anyway, I have been told by a couple of sources to pack the new pump with vasoline or fill it with rear end diff gear oil in order to prime it. (I think I saw this discussed here once, but my search didn't find it). I would think the pump would lose its prime or at least the oil inside the pump everytime the oil is changed so that packing the pump would be unnecessary, but perhaps it is cheap insurance to do it anyway. Thoughts?? Also, since the oil sump has been off the car for several days allowing most of the oil that might remain on the crank, cam, etc. to drain off, should I do anything else. I am thinking that I should apply some grease to the gear on the oil pump driving spindle, and that I should try to turn the engine over by the solenoid push button (plugs out???) to get some oil pressure before actually starting the car. Anything else??? Finally, for the sump gasket, I would think a non hardening gasket sealer would work better that ultra blue.
Thanks, as always. For those who haven't done this project, there is not a lot of room under a Healey even when it's up on blocks, and there is nothing quite like oil dripping on your face.
 
Shorn,

Remove the oil releif spring and valve, use a pump type oil can to fill the new oil pump with oil. The relief valve galley runs directly into the top of the oil pump. It will take approx 6 oz to fill the pump, oil will start to drip out of the relief valve port when it is full.

Next remove plugs and spin engine until you have oil pressure. Do not attempt to start the engine if the oil gauge is not indicating pressure,

Finally,install the plugs and smile as the big beast comes to life. Nothing sounds as sweet as the exhaust note of a big healey!!!!

Ray
 
[ QUOTE ]
Anyway, I have been told by a couple of sources to pack the new pump with vasoline or fill it with rear end diff gear oil in order to prime it.

I would think the pump would lose its prime or at least the oil inside the pump everytime the oil is changed so that packing the pump would be unnecessary, but perhaps it is cheap insurance to do it anyway. Thoughts??

Also, since the oil sump has been off the car for several days allowing most of the oil that might remain on the crank, cam, etc. to drain off, should I do anything else. I am thinking that I should apply some grease to the gear on the oil pump driving spindle, and that I should try to turn the engine over by the solenoid push button (plugs out???) to get some oil pressure before actually starting the car. Anything else???

Finally, for the sump gasket, I would think a non hardening gasket sealer would work better that ultra blue.
Thanks, as always.

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Skip,
Since the pump is normally below the oil level in the sump, It is pretty much self priming. If the engine is left for an extended period of time with no oil in the sump, the oil in the pump will run out. Same with a new pump. Usually if the engine sits for a while with the sump full, the pump will re-prime.

It may be better to fill the pump with Vaseline to aid in quick priming. It certainly won't hurt anything. Gear oil will run out. Definitely crank the engine over without starting until oil pressure shows. This will assure that the pump is primed & working, all passages are filled, & prevent a dry start.

I'm not sure what Ultra Blue is. I would use a non-hardening sealer such as Permatex Aviation Sealer or Hylomar HPF on one side of the gaskets & a quick setting contact cement on the other side to hold the gaskets in place while assembling. Do NOT use a silicone sealer. Any excess will just squeeze out & get into places where it can cause trouble such as plugging the pump intake screen.
D
 
New oil pump is installed. Dirty job, by the way. I have some increase in oil pressure at idle (about 15#) and between 30-35# at about 3000 rpm's. I am satisfied with the improvement, but at some time down the line will have to look at replacing main and rod bearings, but that can now wait awhile. I may take one more look at the rocker arm oil output with the new pump.
 
Glad you got it done & there is some improvement. When I did this project, I added a cast aluminum sump. It was so heavy that I had to support it with a jack & very carefully work it into final position so that I could get all of the attaching bolts into place, the gaskets & seals aligned, & the threads started. This took several trial fits to get the required shortened oil pump pickup screen & pickup tube fitted to clear the shallower new sump.

Glad it worked out & there is some improvement.
D
 
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