2L-T Oil Pump Prime

[Dprio34]

I just swapped out the rear timing cover on a 2L-T. It seemed to be pretty straight forward install. The LJ70 started right up afterward but it seemed to be idling rough (motor shaking a bit more than normal), so I shut her down. Upon checking the oil quantity, the oil was totally yellow and clean on the dipstick. So I shut her down and am a bit nervous to start her back up now.

I am guessing the oil system needs to be primed. The oil pump gear is integral to the rear timing cover. That was replaced along with a new gasket on the oil pickup and oil lines to the alternator.

Does anyone know if the system can be primed after everything is back together?

Thanks
Don

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I've heard of people removing the oil pressure sensor and priming the system that way with an external oil pump. Not sure if it is necessary though. Did you check the manual? Pretty sure Toyota would cover it in the EM section if it's necessary.

Before starting the motor, disconnect the fuel shut-off solenoid, and crank the motor until pressure comes up on the oil pressure gauge. Then plug the solenoid back in and start it. I recently did my BEB on my 2LTE, and all the oil drained out of the system. I just cranked until the pressure came up, then started it. Took quite a while to get pressure at first. Maybe 30sec of cranking.

 

[Dprio34]

Thanks GTS, appreciate the reply. Well, neither my Max Ellery Manual or 2LT Manual mentions anything about it, but....Toyota engineers are even smarter than I thought. There is an access bolt on the passenger side of the timing case next to the alternator. I put 4 oz of 70 weight gear lube in there and she primed right up. It would have been nice had they mentioned it in the manual, but they didn't. It is probably emphasized in the 2LT Basic Engine Rebuild 101 class but it was never offered in these parts.

I have also read that some people put vasoline on the oil pump gears and that is suppose to prime the system as well. Just glad I didn't have to tear it appart to pack the oil pump gears...That would have been a nightmare.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Right on! That is really great to know for the future.