PHHHHTT
02-04-2012, 10:17 PM
I used the "Search" feature in the forums and it did not find a match for the subject, so I will place this issue before the members.
Do any of you have a preferred method to prelubing a 4.6 that has been sitting for a considerable amount of time before actually starting the engine?
I have dealt with many Ford engines but this is the first time I cannot prelube an engine because the oil pump is driven by the crankshaft rather than the distributor.
I would like to pressurize the oiling system and rotate the engine by hand while doing so to be certain all moving parts have been lubed before actually starting the engine. You know how the engine start-up flare will immediately send the engine above 1500 rpms before settling down. I'm concerned about what damage can occur during this time. It has been quite awhile (18+ months - I know the fuel system will need attention as well) since I last ran the car and I am finally where I can devote time to make necessary repairs.
The car has run Mobil 1 synthetic 5w20 oil most of it's life (I switched to 5w30 Mobil 1 on the last oil change). I am thinking I should put in a very light weight oil (0w20 maybe?) to perform the prelube, install a pre-filled new filter (at least as much as possible), prelube engine by whatever means are suggested, start the car and let it achieve operating temperature. Once this is done, shut down the engine, change the oil back to 5w30 Mobil w/pre-filled new filter as normal, start car and then proceed with the other issues.
One suggestion I have found on a Mustang forum is to pull the plugs (which will remove compression forces off the crank bearings), disable the ignition, and use a remote starter to spin the engine until the oil pressure is reached. This method would not lubricate anything before being subjected to motion but I think would be better than just changing the oil and firing it up.
I have also read where a starter cannot spin an engine fast enough to achieve sufficient oil pressure, it may produce enough to trip the oil pressure switch but that's about it (this info was written in general application to most engines, may not apply to a modular engine).
I know I could just change the oil and start it up. That is probably the most direct and easiest way to deal with the issue, but I'm not concerned about ease of the job. I want to protect the engine from a dry start condition.
Thanks for any suggestions you may offer.
Randall
Do any of you have a preferred method to prelubing a 4.6 that has been sitting for a considerable amount of time before actually starting the engine?
I have dealt with many Ford engines but this is the first time I cannot prelube an engine because the oil pump is driven by the crankshaft rather than the distributor.
I would like to pressurize the oiling system and rotate the engine by hand while doing so to be certain all moving parts have been lubed before actually starting the engine. You know how the engine start-up flare will immediately send the engine above 1500 rpms before settling down. I'm concerned about what damage can occur during this time. It has been quite awhile (18+ months - I know the fuel system will need attention as well) since I last ran the car and I am finally where I can devote time to make necessary repairs.
The car has run Mobil 1 synthetic 5w20 oil most of it's life (I switched to 5w30 Mobil 1 on the last oil change). I am thinking I should put in a very light weight oil (0w20 maybe?) to perform the prelube, install a pre-filled new filter (at least as much as possible), prelube engine by whatever means are suggested, start the car and let it achieve operating temperature. Once this is done, shut down the engine, change the oil back to 5w30 Mobil w/pre-filled new filter as normal, start car and then proceed with the other issues.
One suggestion I have found on a Mustang forum is to pull the plugs (which will remove compression forces off the crank bearings), disable the ignition, and use a remote starter to spin the engine until the oil pressure is reached. This method would not lubricate anything before being subjected to motion but I think would be better than just changing the oil and firing it up.
I have also read where a starter cannot spin an engine fast enough to achieve sufficient oil pressure, it may produce enough to trip the oil pressure switch but that's about it (this info was written in general application to most engines, may not apply to a modular engine).
I know I could just change the oil and start it up. That is probably the most direct and easiest way to deal with the issue, but I'm not concerned about ease of the job. I want to protect the engine from a dry start condition.
Thanks for any suggestions you may offer.
Randall