3b oil pump

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C

chambers60

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just finished a rebuild on my 3b, no oil pressure on the gauge, or up to the rockers when starting. Have not been able to connect a mechanical gauge to check pressure. The questions i have are how long until the pump picks up oil and moves it through the engine, and the second is there any way to prime the pump to aid in the initial starting and having oil pressure. I know that when i rebuilt chev engines it was not alarming to go up to 5/6 mins with out oil pressure on the initial start up. Just a bit concerned with the engine being a diesel and the cost of the rebuild (don't want to toss the engine on the first starts). Any info would be appreciated
cheers bob.
 
you should pack the oil pump with vaseline when assembling, that will prime the pump and cause good suction to get the oil moving. Shouldn't take more than 10 seconds to get pressure. 5-6 mins without oil pressure!!! I'm surprised you didn't get a paperweight or boat anchor out of that one!
 
thanks for the info, any way to pack it with the engine assebled?

The 6mins was for small block chev, just didn't have oil to the top end . Researched it a bit and that can be in the norm for that engine. Haven't had the 3b started yet just wanted to make sure before I let it idle up.

cheers Bob
 
I don't really have any experienced input. But when assembling would everything have gone together greased? As in the mains, etc...? So if it did run for a min or two with out oil would it have enough not to really worry?
 
Here's a tip for you: overfill the crankcase by a few litres and remove the glow plugs to crank the engine over (you can shut off the fuel as well via the EDIC rod) so that you can get things flowing.

I've had it a few times where engines that have been sitting for a long time won't prime. Overfilling to get the pump to prime works, but don't run the engine with the crankcase overfull.

hth.
~John
 
bb yes it has asssembly lube on all the main surfaces or lubriplate, the engine short block was assembled by a mchine shop in Duncan, called Superior Engines. Great people woud highly recommend them, very professional and very knowledgable.
John the previous was for you if you need parts/machining they do know what they are talking about, say hi to them from Bob Chambers, and that Alberta is cold! Will try the over fill and see if that does the trick. will keep you posted,
thanks for the input
Bob
 
I had the same problem when I pulled my pump apart....In the end I had to pull out the relief valve (on the passenger side of the engine, bottom on the timing gear cover) and fill it up with oil before it would pump. I tried everything but that was what did it for me.

Good luck
Geoff
 
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