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.