Help with Oil Pump Bypass Valve

[Scott H]

We tried to start the freshly rebuilt 3.8 on the 97 Firebird the other night. Ran her for 10 seconds but did not get any oil pressure. It could be that the oil pump is not primed and I am chasing down ways to prime the oil pump but in my research I discovered that installing the oil pump bypass valve incorrectly would also cause no oil pressure. I dont think I got it wrong but want to be sure before trying to start it again.
Does anyone have pictures or a diagram of how the spring and check valve go together in the timing cover and oil filter adapter. I beleive the spring goes into the block and the "piston" should face the oil filter adapter cna anyone confirm this. Thanks.
Scott

[FuzzKill]

Re: Help with Oil Pump Bypass Valve

That is correct. Spring first, then cap over top, then install the filter housing.

[techsan23]

Re: Help with Oil Pump Bypass Valve

To prime the oil system you have to pack the gears with petroleum jelly when you install them. I have also heard of people overfilling the oil for it to start pumping, but have not tried that. Before I fired my engine I pulled the fuel pump relay behind the drivers kick panel to crank it over without starting to build oil pressure. I'll bet it took a good 10 seconds to catch pressure.

[flamingchicken]

Re: Help with Oil Pump Bypass Valve

^exactly what i did. i pulled the fuel pump relay and spun it about ten seconds each time about 4 seperate times. when i started it, it had 15 psi at idle, and when i reved it brought up about 50psi.

[Scott H]

Re: Help with Oil Pump Bypass Valve

Thanks guys!! I did have the piston for the bypass valve in backwards.
Since I was not sure if that was the problem I also went ahead and made an oil pump primer, pre-oiler using some clear hose from my pool, PVC end caps and a variety of brass fittings. Not shown is the the ball valve and air chuck on the other end. I filled it with a half quart of oil, connected it to my compressor opened the valve and the air pressure force fed oil to the motor and oil pump. Worked like a charm got 60 lbs oil pressure at idle within 5 seconds of startup.



IF ANYONE DECIDES TO MAKE SOMETHING LIKE THIS BE SURE TO USE COMPONENTS THAT ARE RATED TO THE PRESSURE THAT YOU INTEND TO APPLY AND REDUCE THE AIR LINE PRESSURE TO NO MORE THAN 40 LBS . The 1/4 tubing in the pic is rated to 170 lbs. I was not sure of the other components so I adjusted the regulator down to 40lbs. Even that was too high I only had to just crack open the valve and the oil was easily pushed into the engine.

Scott

[ssms5411]

Re: Help with Oil Pump Bypass Valve

I plan on installing ZZP's oil PSI kit to raise oil PSI, I have a machined cover I'm going to install also. I hope to get about 80 PSI once done, I'm at 60 PSI at idle and 50 when hot running RP 20w/50.