I recently did a partial engine overhaul on my '52 TD over a seven month
period. When it was time to start her up, I experienced the dreaded lost oil
pump prime. My pump is an early model without the priming plug. I did get the
oil pressure back, but it took a great deal of cranking (and I did all the
tricks like turning the engine backwards, etc.). This is scary turning the
engine over and over with zilch on the oil pressure gauge, even when you know
there's lots of assembly lube inside. (Not to mention the wear and tear on
the starter.) I also lost prime once after an extended storage period of
several years. That time there was no assembly lube! I never want to go
through this again! How long does it take for the pump to loose it's prime? I
want to make sure I start the engine often enough to avoid this problem.
Indiana winters have about three nasty months that are unfit for classic
cars, but I will start up the engine in the garage if necessary.
BTW, under regular use the pressure comes up quickly and runs 50 psi after
warm up.
Bob Donahue (Still stuck in the '50s)
EMAIL - BOBMGT@AOL.COM
52 MGTD - under DIY restoration NEMGTR #11470
71 MGB - AMGBA #96-12029, NAMGBR #7-3336
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