The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop pre-lubing new engine

I have a 57 with 235 engine. The engine has been rebuilt. I want to pre-lube it. I read about using a screwdirver or distributor shaft to do it with. I told a friend and he sugusted I take the plugs out and crank the engine instead. Would this have the same effect as doing it with a distributor shaft?

Oh, thanks for the info on the new oils. I'm going to use the Rotella and GM EOS.

well you will be spinning a dry engine by turning it over without plugs ...but during the rebuild im sure thet you or whomever rebuilt it used the proper lube on the bearings / cam etc ...But I like the screwdriver method to get the pump primed an oil flowin to the rockers an cam before spinnin it over for the first time ...just my 2 pennies.

The purpose of the pre-lube is to get all of the oil jounrnals filled with oil so that when the engine does turn over, oil is ready immediately to start lubing the critical areas and building a cushion of oil in between the bearing journals and the crank. You can also check the oil pressure before starting the engine. That being said , I don't know if you can adequately pre-lube with a screwdriver on a 6 cylinder. For instance, you cannot pre-lube a SBC with a screwdriver because there is an oil journal that you must close to get proper pressure, which a screwdriver won't do. Ask the local machine shop, you may have to buy a pre-lube tool for the 6.

Thanks guys. It looks like I'll do it the screwdriver way.

if you have a old points dist layin around why not take it apart and just use the shaft in a drill motor. not that the screwdriver is a bad idea. i think you can get better pressure with the speed on a drill motor and like stated you can even check the pressure. i like to make it a family affair and have my wife work the drill motor (which she hates to do) while i turn the engine. she is always so tired of hearing about the engine at that point that she will help to get it out of here. i also prime it again but with out turning after it is installed, right before i estimate timing and fire it up. good luck, firing up a new one is such a thrill. hr

If the motor was recently assembled, just cranking it over with no spark plugs should be adequate. The bearing journals should already have some oil on them, and the lack of compression keeps anything from getting loaded up.