How long before I should have oil pressure?

[jcode68]

Just started my engine fo rthe first time (yeah baby!) and I was watching for my oil pressure to come up. I let it run for ~30 seconds and didn't see any movement. I removed the lead from the sending unit and grounded and the guage pegged, so I think the guage is fine. I'm using the original oil sending unit from the previous 302 since it worked, I didn't see the need to replace. I primed the oil system before stabbing the distributor last night and I filled the oil filter about half way before I put it on. I just don't want to damage the motor if for some reason it's not pumping. I'm using 20/50 oil as suggested by CHP. Any easy way to verify it's pumping oil short of pulling a valve cover?

 

[dennis112]

Just started my engine fo rthe first time (yeah baby!) and I was watching for my oil pressure to come up. I let it run for ~30 seconds and didn't see any movement. I removed the lead from the sending unit and grounded and the guage pegged, so I think the guage is fine. I'm using the original oil sending unit from the previous 302 since it worked, I didn't see the need to replace. I primed the oil system before stabbing the distributor last night and I filled the oil filter about half way before I put it on. I just don't want to damage the motor if for some reason it's not pumping. I'm using 20/50 oil as suggested by CHP. Any easy way to verify it's pumping oil short of pulling a valve cover?

If I was concerned about oil pressure, I wouldn't hesitate to remove the valve cover for a quick check. Other than that, I suppose you could try a manual oil pressure gauge.

 

[jcode68]

If I was concerned about oil pressure, I wouldn't hesitate to remove the valve cover for a quick check. Other than that, I suppose you could try a manual oil pressure gauge.

Yeah, i thought about it after I typed the message... I just yanked the cover and there is plenty of oil covering the rockers and puddles etc. So it looks like it's building pressure, maybe I just need to give it more time to build pressure to the sending unit. Given what I have invested in this engine, I think I will be replacing with a mechanical guage soon.

 

[TOM B]

I would not wait for oil to get to the valves as it might already be to late.
get a manual gauge and crank the engine over without starting it, (pull the hot wire off the coil ). You should have oil pressure at cranking speed, depending on if you have a stock pump or high volume it should be about 20 to 50 lbs. If you have no pressure, DONT start it look for what was missed, maybe the oil pump shaft fell out or the distributor isnt driving it.

 

[red65]

I would not wait for oil to get to the valves as it might already be to late.
get a manual gauge and crank the engine over without starting it, (pull the hot wire off the coil ). You should have oil pressure at cranking speed, depending on if you have a stock pump or high volume it should be about 20 to 50 lbs. If you have no pressure, DONT start it look for what was missed, maybe the oil pump shaft fell out or the distributor isnt driving it.

What he said! It only takes a minute or two of running with no oil pressure to foul up all the work you've put in on your new engine. Be careful!

 

[Tim65GT]

Pull the distributor, and prime it by hand. I use a hex socket taped real good to an extension. Just be careful when you remove it. that the pump shaft stays in place!

If you have a helper have them look at the oil press guage with the ignition switch on. It should read at least 10 psi even when turning the oil pump by hand. If you are turning it with a drill, it should go up 40-80 psi.

When you put the distributor back it it may take several attempts to get the oil pump drive and the distributor gear to both line up and drop in place.

 

[10secgoal]

Take the advise above for sure. I watched one lock up last night. He had no oil to the rockers, I told him, and he didn't listen. " It just takes a minute." It's a crazy screeching noise as it starts to seize.

 

[jcode68]

I will definately get a mechanical guage on it to be sure. Like I said, I pulled a valve cover and there was oil puddles, so it was definately getting oil. I did prime it using a drill and a priming shaft before starting also. Thanks for the replies.

 

[67Dylan]

Let's make it simple: remove valve cover, manually rotate the oil pump. You should see oil coming from the top of the rockers. If you don't see oil after a couple of minutes, at most, then you have a problem. See if you can hear oil running back into the pan if it's not making it to the top.
You know if you have oil then the gauge if fubar, if you don't see oil the gauge is correct and you have more problems.

 

[jcode68]

Thought I would give you guys an update. I picked up a mechanical oil pressure guage and installed it tonight. Thankfully I am getting plenty of pressure, right around 57 PSI. I am sooooo glad I don't have to tear things down and troubleshoot an oil pump problem Got some small things to button up this weekend and then I gotta get this thing to an exhaust shop. It's pretty loud with open headers, but sounds incredible!