Im gonna make this my build thread so I don't have to keep making threads to ask a question. Ill post pics tomorrow.

I just finished assembling my engine. I know the lifters are hydraulic so when oil pressure builds they will be "pumped up" all the way. But right now is there anything I can do about the slack created by the lifters not being extended all the way? I know when I start the engine pressure will build but I don't feel like I am supposed to start the engine with that much slack. Will turning the engine over by hand do it?

First engine build so be patient please

 

Spend $15 on a pre-oiling tool. Chuck it into a 1/2" drill motor. Run the oil pump and turn the crank by hand until oil comes up through the push rods.

 

Don't waste money on an oiling tool. Use a damn ratchet and a socket that fits on the pump driveshaft. Ratchet the pump and oil the motor...

 

Make sure that socket does not get bumped off the extension and fall down out of sight.

 

Be sure to duct tape the socket to the extension so it doesn't fall off.

I doubt you'll be able to turn a socket handle fast enough to make pressure. You might try a speed handle.

Sometime there's no replacement for the right tool to get the job done easily and quickly.

 

Lawl are you serious?

Quality tools tend to not lose the sockets.

And you don't have to spin it that fast... with some easy spinning the oil will start pumping out of the lifter valley.

I just rebuilt the 302 in my stang in August.

 

Absolutly.

"Tend not to" is not the same as "Never". One thing you learn as you get older, a little caution can make the day go a lot easier.

I wouldn't want the oil just pumping out of the lifter valley. You want it to come up through the lifters and the push rods into the rocker arms. And you want to be able to spin the motor over at the same time so there's no air pockets in the main and cam journals.

It's nice to see a little oil pressure on the gauge before you hit the start button. If there isn't, you have a chance to find the problem before it's a real problem.

But, lots of people don't pre-oil at all. Just hit the starter and let it happen. I rebuild my street/race engine every other year, and I tend to be very detail oriented when I do it.

 

Well I have run into a problem. I planned on pulling the engine and tranny as a whole but my lift doesnt go high enough to clear the car and I dont have a load leveler. So I disconnected the bellhousing and when I pulled the engine it came apart about 1/2 and inch then stopped? I don't want to just yank on it. What could be the problem? And there are 6 bolts on the bellhousing in all correct?

 

did you disconnect the dust shield? did you remove the starter? did you unbolt the torque converter (if its auto)?

 

yes yes and yes. Im really stumped. and its a manual. My friend told me the throw out bearing could be the cause