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-   -   Pre-oiling engine (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=116344)

Dorfie 08-12-2014 10:39 AM

Pre-oiling engine
 
Is there a way that I can pre-oil/pressurize the oil channels in my engine (IO 540) without turning the engine over with starter (without spark plugs)?
The engine has not run for a long time and I assume the oil that could drain has drained.
I was thinking that I can add oil to the sump and manually "roll" the engine in all directions to splash oil all over the inside. That will get some oil on the cam lobes and lifters and accessory case gears etc, but none to bearings or bushings.
Thanks.
Johan

Mike H 08-12-2014 10:56 AM

Turning the engine to prime the oiling system will not hurt the engine. This is not the same as actually starting an engine that has not had the oil system primed.

I would remove all of the plug wires and a plug from each cylinder then turn the propeller in the correct direction of rotation for a while untill you see the oil pressure indication starts to move off of zero, then reassemble and run the engine.

Mel 08-12-2014 11:06 AM

Unfortunately spinning the engine to "pre-oil" does nothing for the cam/lifter contact. These contact points are the weakest lubrication part of the Lycoming system. Cam lobes are oiled only by "splash", and this occurs only when the engine is running.

bkthomps 08-12-2014 11:35 AM

you can pre-warm the engine with a good engine heater, i use one year round, thin warm oil flows better and spreads quicker

rv699jb 08-12-2014 11:55 AM

Pre-oiling engine
 
Johan,
There are a few companies that make systems to do just that. Here is a link to one of them. Like everything, there are pros and cons of necessity of using pre-oilers.

http://www.oilamatic.com/

Good luck,
Jim

Mike H 08-12-2014 11:59 AM

Even a pre-oiler pump will not lube the cam lobes unless the engine had oil spray nozzles installed by a custom engine shop at overhaul.

burtj 08-12-2014 11:59 AM

I pulled a plug from one of the top galleries on mine (O-360) and connected a line from there to a PVC pipe fitted with a schrader valve on the cap. I poured some oil into the pipe, capped it, aired it up to 40 psi and opened the ball valve in the line slowly. It pumped the quart or so of oil all through the top end of the engine.

burtj 08-12-2014 12:06 PM

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/y...60677550528457
An attempt to post a photo of said contraption.

burtj 08-12-2014 12:06 PM

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/y...60677550528457

burtj 08-12-2014 12:08 PM

A view of both ends of my homemade pre-oiler.


https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/y...60677550528457


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