8 replies to this topic

[MiniRio]

Hi, I have been rebuilding a 1968 mini 998 engine. After putting it all back together I am trying to check the oil pressure is OK before putting the engine back into the car. I have filled the oil pump, filter and sump with oil, connected the oil pressure gauge from the dash and cranked over the starter motor with a battery. The battery lasts a couple of minutes before going flat but I do not seem to get any pressure. Has anyone else tried this and any tips. I do not know if it will take longer turning over to get the pressure up or if I am doing something wrong. I have not got any oil leaks so that's a bonus ! Has anyone tried this and can give me an idea of how long the start motor will take to get the pressure up. Thanks

[jackmason]

In the past its taken me quite some time to get the pressure up so keep at it. 

[MiniRio]

Thanks. I was just starting to panic.

[Ethel]

Possible woes are a missing O ring between the engine & box or a pump that's not seated/ damaged by the cam. But, it can take ages so don't assume the worst.

 

Other aids are to prefill the filter and as much else as you can. You can turn the engine backwards by hand to feed the pump oil through the transfer pipe to the filter. Some prime the pump with heavier gear oil, or even grease.

[MiniRio]

Thanks for the tips. I did try to fill the pump through the feed tube but I will try turning the engine backwards as I did not think it took much. I did have the engine completely stripped and rebuilt with new oil pump so hope it is just taking a bit to get oil round everywhere. I did try to be very careful fitting all new seals and gaskets so fingers crossed. Thanks again

[Morry Stu]

Did you grease the pump internals or fill it will oil.

An old trick I learnt was to pack the oil pump will vasoline or oil. This helps to creat suction ( especially with new dry pumps ) and suck the oil up from.the sump quicker.

A dry pump will eventually suck oil up, but will take longer than if pre lubed.

[MiniRio]

No I did not but thanks for the tip

[Ethel]

I'd also scrounge all the batteries you can so it has less time to drain down between goes - but watch out for over heating the motor. Suck eggs comment: you have taken all the spark plugs out?

[The Principal]

backfill the oil pump by removing the oil transfer pipe about a cup full turning the engine backwards as you feed the oil you should notice the oil being drawn in. When you go to spin the engine over remove the plugs and charge the battery or have a jump start and crank it for a good 30 seconds or longer all being well you should get pressure.

 

Edit - dont start the engine until you have pressure

Edited by The Principal, 04 June 2014 - 03:13 PM.