Need to prime oil pump?

[Marknewbie500]

In the TVR bible, it is eluded that the oil pump needs to be primed after an oil change - has anyone experienced the need to do this on a Serpentine engine? Kinda puts me off doing a simple oil change.
BTW daft question - should the dipstick be straight or a curved in an arc???

[radzoule]

If you're really quick and get the replacement on (brimmed full of oil) in a matter of seconds you can get away without it - just check oil pressure on start up. If you need to prime it I find the best way is to pull the plugs out and turn over the starter (I have made up a lead to the starter solenoid so I can do this without assistance - also means the injectors don't fire). When oil starts gushing out fit the primed new filter. Good luck!

[mongoose]

I thought it was only the pre-serp that needs priming?I've done a few oil changes on the ones i've had(all serp) and never had a problem.I thought priming is something done after re-builds rather than oil changes?!

[everitj]

I've done oil changes on mine and never had an issue, (pre-serp). Asked a friend of mine who's a mechaninc about having to prime the pump and he looked at me like I was mad.. Maybe there are issues if the oil pump is worn.

>> Edited by everitj on Thursday 4th May 05:18

[Podie]

Cobblers... you've got plenty of time. I've never seen a single TVR mechanic run around like a blue-arsed fly to fit a filter.

[tvr keith]

Probably best not to leave it for hours with no oil in, otherwise you should have no problem. Obviously make sure you get pressure as soon as you fire it up

[tahiti450]

All really as above.
You only need to prime the earlier gear type pump if its dry, either after a rebuild or if it has been left standing for a very long time. It isn't an issue during normal servicing. Whilst the gears and housing a nice and oily it will develop enough suction to pull oil up from the sump on start up.
If you have any doubt, during a routine service, check it after changing the oil and filter and whilst the plugs are all out, crank the engine whilst watching the pressure gauge and you should see the needle start to rise after a few second cranking (dont crank for more than about 15 sec at a time to avoid cooking the starter motor). With fresh cool oil you'll probably see 15-30 PSI (possibly more) just on the starter.

>> Edited by tahiti450 on Thursday 4th May 18:11

[nemasis]

to be on the safe side,remove the coil lead to the distributor then turn the engine over till the oil light goes out or you see the oil pressure guage move. re connect coil lead and start the car as normal.

[fergusg]

Not sure why but my dipstick has a habit of bending itself in an arc of it's own accord too. I usually just bend it back straight when I take it out. Not sure whether I should or not though. It doesn't take much foce to bend it back.

[nemasis]

bent or straight you will get a similar reading

[Marknewbie500]

Should the dipstick be bent? Surely with a bent stick the oil reading will be lower than it actually is? Will the stick come into contact with anything if it is bent??

Ta!