Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Oil to Rockers, First Startup 261

I've got a fresh rebuilt '60 261 that we just got running. With just a few starts and none longer than 10 minutes, there is still no oil coming up to the rocker arms. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that it can take awhile but I searched the forum and can't confirm that.

Do we wait a little longer for the oil to come up, is there some way of priming the oiler, or is it time to start tearing apart the engine?

Help!!!

-Dan

I would oil prime the motor.Remove the distributor and use a used distributor shaft or appropriate screw driver in a drill to drive the pump.Hopefully you'll se oil flowing into the head. If not,possibly there's a blockage somewhere in the oil system.

Did you remember to install the 1/8" pipe plugs that live behind the sidecover? There is one in the middle and one in the lower rear corner (usually).

Do you recall, when looking at the block deck, if the passageway thats next to the head bolt was plugged or was it open?
Some 58-62 blocks had this plugged in conjunction with a special drilled head bolt. This was done when these blocks were retrofitted to the top ends from 53-57 engines. If this was done, there should be a special drilled head bolt present that can be identified by a "O" on the top of the bolt head.

Did you pour any oil into the pump before installing it?

Try pulling the pipe plug on the side of the head and priming the pump as Drew suggested. Sometimes it can take awhile longer than expected...

Wow!

I can't thank both of you guys enough for your quick responses. Gearhead, you hit it right on the head. The lower back plug was missing. Now there's plenty of oil dribbling all over the rocker assy. The engine is officially running! This has been a long and very personal project. My wife's grandfather's '50 sedan. Got a 261 out of a junked milk truck, MSD ignition, Weber FI, Clifford intake and exhaust, AC, 12v, power discs, rebuilt just about everything but trying to keep the original feel, down to the robe rail and the 3 on the tree. If I could buy you a drink, Gearhead, I would, but instead we'll hoist a Fat Tire Ale in your honor tonight!

-Dan

And I will toast to your success as well!

Sounds like a great project. A perfect break-in run would be to drive it to the convention in June