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

Hello,
I'm about to start the engine in my 37 115 c. The engine has been sitting for some time but has always been full of clean oil. What are my options for circulating/pressurizing oil before I attempt to turn the engine over by the starter. I will hand rotate the engine before using the starter. Thank you

If you have a hand pressure oiler (something with a bit more oomph than just a squirt oil can) you can use it to pressurize either thru the main oil galley opening on the driver's side, or from any of the oil galley plugs on the other side. Or just crank it a few turns on the starter with the coil wire removed and see if the pressure gauge moves off it's stop which it probably will.

I used a friend's pressurized oil can made by Golden Rod. The can allowed for the connection of a tapered pipe thread fitting to be connected (after unscrewing the original spout). I used a clean grease gun flex tube that had the proper fittings and it worked. Well, until my hands were tired after lots of pumping and crankshaft turning and pumping and turning, etc. to make sure the oil paths of the crank journals were getting oil.

The can includes a cap through which you can add more oil.
These things have been around for many years and are still available.

However, if you've used plenty of oil during the assembly of the engine, I'd say you are at little risk to use the starter. I'd agree with Owen's suggestion.

Remember that the starter runs at a much slower rpm than the at idle, so the wear of friction is less. Plus, during starting, the only piston loading on the rod and main bearings is during the compression stroke, which again, is much less than the loads during the power stroke, when the fuel ignition blasts the piston down.

Finally, for your 37, this is easy to do. You don't need to pull the coil wire. You can also just leave the ignition switch off and use the button on the dash (or starter solenoid).

I use a similar approach when starting my car if it has set for a couple weeks, just to get oil up into and the main gallery.

I hope this helps.
Pat

Take out the spark plugs and disconnect the coil wire, then spin it in 15-20 sec bursts with the starter. Let the starter cool for a minute or two between every couple of cycles. When you have oil pressure (some guys will run it all the way to normal pressure whatever that is for your engine) then you're ready to put the parts back and start it.

Thank you to all of you with your replies concerning pressurizing the crankcase