FYI...if your engine doesn't start up right away.

jtybt15

Active member
Member
Joined
Feb 1, 2001
RO Number
3300
Messages
9,535
FYI

As been noted by different RO's in the past, Most engine wear happens in the first few seconds of start-up if the engine has been idle long enuff for the oil to drain down. IT's a GOOD THING THAT THE ENGINE DOESN"T FIRE RIGHT UP AFTER SITTING A WEEK OR MORE.

Pre-oiling a marine engine is good in that it lowers the metal to metal contact when first started. I've only worked on GM small blocks so I can't say for other makes but the cam doesn't have any direct oiling system. It gets oiled by some drip down from the lifters and mostly from 'SPLASH' from the cranks counter weights as it rotates. Losing power on engines as they age is, in part, directly related to cam lobe wear. This problem was finally addressed by some valve lifter manufactures by adding a pin hole in the bottom of their lifters to directly drip oil the cam lobes.

Over-head cams are oiled differently and roller cams have less friction to cause wear.
 
Good point Charlie. For the paranoid among us pulling the plugs and spinning is good for peace of mind. I always figured that I was a good idea to dump a quart into the engine to lube the lifters before a dry start for those engines that fill into the valley or a valve cover. Easy enough to suck out that quart or just do a change.
 
There are systems that hold pressurized oil in a holding container and releases it prior to start-up. You don't have to add or replace oil.

Also you can install a 'jumper' starter switch to crank the engine without the ignition switch 'on'. That's what I did by connecting a remote starter button to the two small terminals on the 'auxiliary' solenoid.
 
Back
Top