How to prime the oil pump
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A new oil pump needs some oily film between its moving surfaces for it to draw oil up from the sump. You could just fill the pump with oil on the bench, drain out and fit it, and it will probably work. One sure fire way is to pack the pump with petroleum jelly (Vaseline). The jelly is quickly assimilated into the engine oil without harm once the engine is running.
I would strongly recommend that whatever you do, take out the spark plugs and wind the engine on the starter until you see oil pressure on the gauge. If you don't get pressure (and it can take several long seconds to build at starter motor speeds) you can remove the pump, repack and try again, and no harm is done. That way you know it is going to work when you start it properly, and you won't risk running the bearings dry.
Mike
I would strongly recommend that whatever you do, take out the spark plugs and wind the engine on the starter until you see oil pressure on the gauge. If you don't get pressure (and it can take several long seconds to build at starter motor speeds) you can remove the pump, repack and try again, and no harm is done. That way you know it is going to work when you start it properly, and you won't risk running the bearings dry.
Mike
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TroonSprint - Fourth Gear
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- Joined: 24 Nov 2011
You can also pump oil in the high pressure side from the oil pressure gauge take off. I use a pressurized weed sprayer bottle to force the oil in. Ensures there is oil at the bearings when turning the engine over.
I'd probably only try this I if you don't see pressure with Vaseline method quickly.
I'd probably only try this I if you don't see pressure with Vaseline method quickly.
'73 +2 130/5 RHD, now on the road and very slowly rolling though a "restoration"
- mbell
- Coveted Fifth Gear
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Yes, Vaseline does the trick. Just did this last week on an Elan I am rebuilding. Been doing that trick for years and it always has worked.
Tony Vaccaro
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
72 Elan Sprint, 93 Caterham (Bought new), 05 Elise RD (Bought new),
99 Elise190, 05 Elise BLK (Bought nearly new), 2024 Emira, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
72 Elan Sprint, 93 Caterham (Bought new), 05 Elise RD (Bought new),
99 Elise190, 05 Elise BLK (Bought nearly new), 2024 Emira, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
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tvacc - Coveted Fifth Gear
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I've only changed the oil pump once and simply made sure it had an oil film in it but I've stripped and rebuilt two TC engines many times. Fill the filter with oil and spin the engine without plugs, like Mike (Troon) describes, is all I've ever done and it always works.
Meg
26/4088 1965 S1½ Old and scruffy but in perfect working order; the car too.
________________Put your money where your mouse is, click on "Support LotusElan.net" below.
26/4088 1965 S1½ Old and scruffy but in perfect working order; the car too.
________________Put your money where your mouse is, click on "Support LotusElan.net" below.
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Quart Meg Miles - Coveted Fifth Gear
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Hello,
I was also searching this same question from few days but didn't found exact answer.
Thanks for posting this thread.
Waiting For reply
I was also searching this same question from few days but didn't found exact answer.
Thanks for posting this thread.
Waiting For reply
- karenhenry04
- New-tral
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 03 Nov 2014
The engine on the Elan has not been started for a lengthy period, this morning I spun it on the starter ... Not a flicker on the gauge
The bathroom cabinet was raided, pump end plate removed and the advice found here was followed. Result, healthy pressure indicated on the second spin.
Thank you gentlemen.
I might even go for a start in a couple of days!
The bathroom cabinet was raided, pump end plate removed and the advice found here was followed. Result, healthy pressure indicated on the second spin.
Thank you gentlemen.
I might even go for a start in a couple of days!
- persiflage
- Second Gear
- Posts: 212
- Joined: 24 Jul 2005
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