[f-AA] Priming the oil pump on a Continental C-85-12

[D]

(I'm writing this as a separate post for the convenience of anyone searching on this subject in the future.  They can avoid the long thread of various advice)

Situation:

The engine sat unused for approximately 80 days.  It was drained dry, including the removal of the oil tank and all accessories  (mags, generator, tach drive, starter, oil screen housing).  The accessory case remained on the engine.

Upon re installation on the airframe, I spun the engine with the starter  (no plugs, mags grounded) for what seemed like 30 seconds (twice), I got no oil pressure.  Here's what worked:

1) heated the entire engine by placing a 1500w heater under it for about 2 hrs.  Went from 50 degrees to 90 degrees.  This seemed to make the oil much more free flowing.  It may have made the oil in the tank easier to "suck" up from the oil tank.

2) removed the oil temp probe and screwed in a "hardware store" nylon fitting (1/2"pipe with an 3/8" barb elbow.  Made it really easy to connect a plastic tube and funnel.  Poured in about 1/4 qt. of warmed oil.  Turned the prop BACKWARDS which made the oil surge INTO the engine (turning forward seemed to pump it OUT)- this indicated the oil pump gears were getting oil. (DON'T TURN BACKWARDS IF YOU HAVE A VACUUM PUMP)

3) sealed everything back up and cranked for 12 seconds before I got oil pressure. (BTW, I used my watch  to time the cranking.  I bet the time I thought was 30 seconds yesterday was more like 10 seconds.)

Not sure which of the above steps worked or didn't, but I now have oil pressure.  Started the engine  after all this and it ran fine and had it's usual 40 lbs of oil pressure showing on the guage.

Over and out,

Don

[Richard Murray]

Bet it was step 2 that solved your problem. Would have worked without heating too IMHO

Glad you are back to normal. Nothing upsets a stomach as much as hearing an engine run while watching your oil pressure gauge indicate zero.

Richard in OH feeling your joy as we hunker down for another dose of Winter

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Each sunrise is an opportunity to learn more than you knew the day before.

[bk...@elp.rr.com]

Great Idea, any pictures of the device you made?

Bruce

Champ N1237E

Bruce King

Doing my part to KEEP EL PASO LOCO !

[Don Whiteside]

[Don Whiteside]

here's the fitting.  Attached to a funnel with a plastic hose: