Fresh Rebuild - No Oil Pressure... Tried Priming... Whats up?

[Snowmann]

So, Fresh lower end rebuild (new oil pump rings, bearings, IJ crank scraper and oil pump driveshaft bearings), less than 1yr old head rebuild...

Got the motor installed and just installed a set of VDO gauges from Bavauto utilizing their sender which lets you run the factory warning light too.

I first tried the 'backyard' method of priming the oil pump without sparkplugs... didnt get a reading on the gage. Checked my gage wiring and came up with the conclusion that everything was working correctly.

Read about the drill method of priming with the system through the verticle driveshaft into the pump - I got it to go up to 30psi, but then shortly drops off again in 10-20 seconds. Ran the drill again, same deal.

What gives?

I don't have the engine blueprint numbers off hand but I have little concern about the work of my engine builder (doesnt mean it isnt possible soemthing is off) but everything we did was rather basic in regards to the other engines he messes with.

Any ideas folks?

[Myster-E]

Perhaps the engine builder had forgotten to install the oil pump drive rod. Also are you running an oil filter relocation kit? If so I would check to see if the lines are backwards because they would not flow at all if they were reversed.

Shant

[jlevie]

Just cranking over the motor won't build noticeable oil pressure. Spinning the oil pump drive with and electric drill spins spins the pump much faster and will build pressure. But the pressure will bleed off in a few seconds is you stop spinning the drill. However, if you are saying that the pressure goes away while the drill is still spinning, I'd suspect a gauge problem or a bad oil pressure relief valve. To figure out which it is, temporarily replace the pressure sender with a mechanical gauge.

[Snowmann]

Ok. The pressure will maintain during spinning... But bleeds off after stopping within 5-10 seconds... This is normal though? I guess the system is open... I just thought I'd hold pressure longer...

I need to figure out a way to ship you a couple cases of beer jlevie... You're always helpful!

Thanks

[nando]

it sounds like you're fine. And you've done the far better method of priming your engine. it should be good to go now.

[jlevie]

Ok. The pressure will maintain during spinning... But bleeds off after stopping within 5-10 seconds... This is normal though? I guess the system is open... I just thought I'd hold pressure longer...

That is normal and the pressure will bleed down much faster when to oil is hot. Once the pump stops spinning the oil continues to flow past the bearings until the pressure is gone.

I need to figure out a way to ship you a couple cases of beer jlevie... You're always helpful!

The thought is appreciated, but that isn't necessary.