Topic: Add oil to top end before starting for the first time?

[Tugboat]

Well, not the first time, but the first time in a long time. Finally got my replacement motor cleaned up as much as I'm willing to, and am ready to chuck it back on the frame and fire it up. I've read about putting some oil onto the top end via the tappet covers and into the cylinders via the spark plug holes prior to starting old engines. Is this advisable? And if so, how much do I add to the top end and to the cylinders?

[boatsdickson]

Good question, but im not here with the answer. I wondered the same when i got mine back into the frame. I put a healthy squirt in each of the intake tappet covers and hoped it would drain down. Probably 1/8th of a cup in each hole. Overkill, i dont know. Maybe one with more knowledge than me will chime in.

[ekpent]

It won't hurt anything.Dump in a 1/2 qt or so between both sides on the centerstand.

[strynboen]

i alvays do this..take that battery drill..or turn back weel to turn the engine

[Whaleman]

More important is to make sure you get oil pressure before starting. Squirting oil in will not get to the cam bearings where you need it. Not even mentioning the crank and rod bearings. Kick or spin until you see oil in the top end. If you see oil in the top end being pumped you know you got the crank and rods also. Dan

[andy750]

I always add a quart of oil to the top end through #1 tappet cover. Then check with oil pressure guage when fire it up - should go up almost instantly.

[Motoguy23]

I just add a dab of Lubriplate No.105 motor assembly grease to the cam bearings and lobes and then fill the little wells under the cam with oil.  The grease should take care of it in until the oil gets there.  It also dissolves in oil so you don't have to worry about it clogging up the filter or anything like that.

[MRieck]

I always add a quart of oil to the top end through #1 tappet cover. Then check with oil pressure guage when fire it up - should go up almost instantly.

You should know Andy as you've done it enough times.

[Tugboat]

If I add a quart to the top end via the tappet covers, how much goes in the oil tank then?

[jtb]

Add 2 qts to the tank after one in the tappet covers.  Start and run for a few minutes, then stop and check the level.  Add more if necessary.  Sounds like you're coming along pretty good, Tugboat.  Look forward to seeing you in acouple of weeks.

[Ernest T]

I just add a dab of Lubriplate No.105 motor assembly grease to the cam bearings and lobes and then fill the little wells under the cam with oil.  The grease should take care of it in until the oil gets there.  It also dissolves in oil so you don't have to worry about it clogging up the filter or anything like that.

That's all you need, the grease is sticky so it'll hang in there until the motor starts and ou get good oil pressure.  I've done that for over 40 years on all kinds of engines.