Did a compression test on my stroked Olds 215, not good. #4 cylinder at 50 lbs.

[mgb260]

Scott, Look good!

[Gswest236]

Anyone know which oil pump priming tool works on these motors. I ordered a generic one that was for Small block and big block GM motors; it's not long enough. The collar prevents it from reaching the pump shaft.

[mgb260]

SBC from Jeg's:

 https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/23640/10002/-1?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WP_US_Bing_Shopping_555_Hybrid_Category_Catchall&utm_term=4581733695282758&utm_content=Oil

Make your own like this guy:

https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/homemade-oil-pump-priming-tool.308236/

[MGBV8]

I use my old SBC priming tool. It does not have collars.

[Gswest236]

The collar on the one I got didn't fit in the opening, so it's useless. I had a oh-shit moment today installing the valve covers. Dropped a valve cover bolt and washer into the motor! I just installed the oil pan a few days ago. Heard it hit the oil pan. I rotated the engine on the stand and shook it, out dropped the bolt, but no washer. I could not get the washer top drop out. Off came the oil pan. Got the washer and then noticed I was still short one of the 5 bolts? Another rookie mistake, should have put a towel or something in the valley. I could have put the valley pan there which would have cought it. I'm going to use some high pressure air tomorrow to make sure that missing bolt isn't wedged in there somewhere. I rotated the motor multiple times making sure there's no interfearance; nothing catching so fingers crossed. 

[Gswest236]

I just looked at the before and after pics of the Distributor I sent back to MSD for evaluation and parts replacement. It worked fine but we can all see the before pic is crusty. The other pic is what I got back for around $150. It's not mine, it's a new one or  a new returned one. It's obvious it's not what I sent them. They're running $700ish new I think. I'm pretty impressed with MSD!

[Gswest236]

The hits keep coming! When I went to torque the first valve cover down today one of the bolts stripped the threads on the head. I was getting to about 5lbs on the torque gauge.  Helicoil kit ordered. But after reading some stuff, I found a tip that if using a cast finned aluminum valve cover, the bolts may need to be longer than stock. I measured the thickness of the finned cover and it's more than twice the thickness of the stamped cover at the base. When I looked at the stripped area of the bolt hole and measured the depth, the 5/8" long bolt only engaged maybe 1/4" of the hole. The hole is about 3/4" deep. so, I ordered some 1" bolts and might have to grind a bit off to get them to work. But I might not need to use a helicoil to get the longer bolt to hold. We'll see!

[mgb260]

Scott, it's a good idea to leave the valve covers off until you prime the oil pump to make sure you have oil at the rockers.

[Gswest236]

Once I get the new bolts, I'll just get them hand tight.

[Gswest236]

Second oil pump priming tool proves to be the wrong size. The tooth that engages the pump shaft has a collar that is too small to fit around the shaft. Am I supposed to get one for a V-6 like the timing cover? Ordered2, sent back 2; I'm 0 for 2, nice.

[mgb260]

Scott, were they listed for old school, gen 1 SBC? You can make one like the link above or make one from an old large screwdriver you break the handle off.

[mgb260]

Scott, also, you don't need the Chevy adapter bushings, just center in the hole and turn clockwise. The tube that fits over the shaft is helpful to keep it from slipping out of the groove. It takes a while, to fill the oil filter and all the galleys. Jon smoked his old cordless drill.

[BlownMGB-V8]

I use a 1/2" Milwaulkee Hole Shooter for that job and it isn't exactly happy about it but I can lock the trigger and go check the gages.

Jim

[MGBV8]

Hmm, my old Chevy priming tool worked fine on my 215 both times.  I used a heavy duty corded drill.

[Gswest236]

I can use a screwdriver if need be. Just seems like there should be one that works out there.

[mgb260]

Scott did you remember to tap for your oil gauge?

[Gswest236]

When I saw this tapped hole Jim, I thought I could use that. But now I'm thinking it won't see oil pressure there. I don't want to use the oil filter relocation thing I have which has the oil pressure line. What other places can I get oil pressure for the line?

[mgb260]

I like this location. If you put grease on the tap you will prevent chips from getting in the motor. Your oil fitting on the adapter will have to be moved to this location.

[mgb260]

I forgot quick reply can't add pictures!

[mgb260]

Same area but on timing cover:

[mgb260]

Another view:

[BlownMGB-V8]

The 215 used a plug on the oil pump cover/filter base that is drilled through and tapped for the oil pressure fitting. There are two plugs. One for the filter bypass with the light spring, and the other one for the high pressure relief valve that is drilled and tapped. That is where your sender line goes.

Jim

[MGBV8]

The 215 used a plug on the oil pump cover/filter base that is drilled through and tapped for the oil pressure fitting. There are two plugs. One for the filter bypass with the light spring, and the other one for the high pressure relief valve that is drilled and tapped. That is where your sender line goes.

That is where I put mine.

[mgb260]

Scott has the Metric oil pump cover, not stock 215. His original was on the swivel adapter that he is no longer using.

[mgb260]

His original looks like this: