Hi guys! My question is should i pull my lifters and manually prime? Last time car actually ran (20 years ago) i could"nt tell if it was exhaust manifold leak or lifter knock. 350 rocket rebuilt 25 years ago. about 1500 miles on engine

 

Manually prime by pulling the distributor and using a cordless drill and a 5/16 socket. Be sure not to drop anything down the distributor hole! With valve cover removed prime pump until oil comes out all push rods.

 

I just pull the distributor and turn the oil pump with a drill. After about 2 or 3 minutes of that I will turn the engine 1/4 turn and do it again. I do that about 7 or 8 times and call it good. In extreme cases I will pull the valve covers and loosen up the rockers and check to see if any of the valves are stuck and see the oil coming out each rocker as I prime. If it was stored well and dry, Many people just crank it and start it up as it sits. I don't like doing it that way on a good engine but I have done it before.

 

Thnx V8al!! I've actually already done that. Didn't know if that was sufficient

 

Nice!! Thank you!!

 

I manually prime brand new lifters by putting each one in a coffee can full of oil and using a drill press to push on the lifter with an old pushrod. If the lifters have already been run, there's no reason to manually prime them. Just pull the distributor and prime the motor, as noted above.