can't get lifter to prime?
 

Hey have any of you run into this... just the passenger side of the block won't prime?? Hyd lifter brand new engine (everything new)?

Re: can't get lifter to prime?
 

Did you soak them in oil. I did mine for about a day and they pumped up quickly in motor.

Re: can't get lifter to prime?
 

Yes. My 383 and 385 sbc did not want to prime. Roll the engine over 45 degrees, prime, roll it over 45 degress, prime, and continue....it should get going after that.

Clark

Re: can't get lifter to prime?
 

OK I'll try that ...oh it's a 305 chevy should have told you that. & no I didn't soak them...

Re: can't get lifter to prime?
 

Greg:

What type of tool are you trying to prime your engine with? I don't know if you are aware but on a small block Chevrolet you have to have a prime tool that copies the drive to the oil pump and the distributor body to get oil to both banks. If you use just a prime shaft it will only pump up one side.

Re: can't get lifter to prime?
 

Is that right??? I have a 1/2 drive drill with a cut off screwdriver in it....hows that for sadd!!!! LOL

Re: can't get lifter to prime?
 

You can use an old Chevrolet distributor with all of the guts out of it. Just keep the shaft and distributor body intact. Weld a piece of a cut off allen wrench to the top of the distributor shaft to spin the pump with your electric drill motor. Or you can buy the tool from Summit that's what we have and I don't think they are all that expensive. It will also work with a big block when you build a couple of them LOL. Good Luck.

Re: can't get lifter to prime?
 

Thanks!!! :)