Title:  Lubrication after Long Term Storage

Problem:  A street rod enthusiast just purchased a used street rod that has been in storage and not run for two years.  Can the small block Chevrolet 1980 engine be started without creating any problems?

Solution:  Over a two year period there is probably very little oil on the crankshaft journals and bearings.  If the engine is started under these conditions there is a possibility (because of the lack of oil) that there will be too much friction between the bearings and crankshaft journals before the oil pump transfers oil there.  When started it may cause bearing damage and possibly spin a bearing.  So, before starting the engine, it is a good idea to prime the oil system.  This is done by turning the oil pump without starting the engine.

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First make sure to change the oil and filter.  Now, hand crank the engine to top dead center on the compression stroke for # 1 piston.  Then remove the distributor cap, making sure to note the position of the rotor, pointing at the # 1 piston spark plug wire.   At this point remove the existing distributor shaft from the engine.  On a 350 small block Chevrolet engine, a tool can be purchased that fits into the hole where the distributor is located.  Also, some technicians make their own tool as shown in the photo to the left.  This tool is an old distributor made so that it can be turned with a drill.  When inserted into the distributor hole, the bottom part (see arrow) of the distributor shaft indexes with the oil pump shaft.  When a drill is attached to the top and turned on, the oil pump will be turned to prime all of the parts of the lubrication system before starting.  After inserting the tool, turn the distributor shaft and oil pump for about a minute with a drill. After this time all of the moving parts of the engine should be lubricated well enough to start the engine.  Now remove the tool and reinstall the original distributor, making sure the distributor rotor is in the original position.  Note that the oil pump shaft may need to be rotated slightly to allow the original distributor to mate with the oil pump in the right position.  You may have to set the ignition timing on the engine if it was changed.


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