Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Well....After many years of restoration on my 37 120, I'm ready for my initial first start up. I had the engine rebuilt a few years back at a local auto machine shop which the owner has since retired and the shop is closed. I have always squirted some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and turned it over occasionally by hand. I can remember years back an old timer told me they would remove the distributor, make a shaft to engage in the oil pump and turn the rebuilt engine over with a BIG drill to build up oil pressure before trying to start the engine, which I now question? Maybe he could have been talking about Chevy, Ford or Mopar engines?? Looking for any advice or suggestions on a rebuilt engine prestart in regards to oil pressure.

The oil pump in your 120 is driven directly by a gear on the camshaft so cannot be turned by using a drill.
If you want to build up oil pressure before starting just remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over with the stater.

I would definitely spin the engine over on the starter with the plugs removed. If you have oiled the cylinders previously it is a must because too much oil might cause excessive head pressures. Spinning the engine over on the starter may purge any excess oil out the plug hole. It will surely smoke up the garage on start up so be aware of that too. Good luck.

Be sure to lay an old but clean towel over the top to catch the excess oil and even so it will make a mess but can't be helped as it needs to come out before you crank it with the plugs in place.