The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 261 Oil priming tool?

I'm getting ready to start my 261, for the first time. I bought the motor years ago and my project has been on ice, the motor ran when I bought it.

I pulled the plugs and turned it over with the starter looking for oil pressure. I got a little nervous after no oil pressure after about five 10 second cranks. So, I'd like to spin the oil pump with my drill to get everything lubricated before I try to run it.

My question is: will the tool for a 350 work or is there one compatible for an inline 6 I can purchase?

Thanks, Cory

I made one from a scrap piece of 3/8 or 1/2" round rod, just grind the end to mimic the tang on the distributor, doesn't need to be pretty just clean and functional. Hold it straight in the hole when you use it.

I have used a long large cheap screwdriver that has the handle cut off and the end rounded, if needed, for a drill (electric or air)l.

A large slotted-screwdriver-tip used with an extension bar and a drill/driver (electric or air).

My best "tool" is an old distributor with the drive gear removed. The rotor-post is hex and it fits a socket on a drill/driver.

You'll know when you're good - the drill motor will really slowww downnn when you have oil pressure.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I think I'll try the 3/8" rod trick, I believe I have some laying around.

After I built my 261, when I primed it with my 1/2" drill it took quite a while to get the oil flowing and build pressure. Made me nervous, but it was fine in the end. I also made mine out of 3/8 rod. Works well.

Made mine out of an old distributor shaft. Ground the teeth off so the "hood" over the tang would remain and help hold it on the oil pump shaft.

Joe D.

I use an old distributor with the gear removed. I found that my good geared drill did not have the speed I needed. I switched to a cheap drill and it worked like a charm.

Don't forget to rotate the crank some to get oil to all the rod bearings.

All good tips, I'll let y'all know how it turns out

Be sure to put a gauge into the oil passage behind the exhaust pipe, or at least plug the hole- - - -you'll paint the wall of the shop or the inner fender of the truck with oil if you leave it open.

Sounds like a great tip from man of vast experience on this topic. Very specific experience it seems...

When one encounters a scenario such as this, one has a choice to throw something or laugh at one's self. I personally would make that cringe face, them likely laugh at myself.
Carl

I was reaching over the fender on a 283 V8 truck rebuild, tinkering with the distributor on the initial startup, when I discovered my helper had forgotten to install an oil pressure line. Nothing else feels quite like an armpit full of slightly warm 10W-30!
Jerry

Jerry, you could market that as a new body wash. Millions I say millions $$$$$$$$$$$$$ !

Sign of a true journeyman technician..........it's always the helpers fault . Sign of good helper.......there always there to take on the oops moments.