How long can a rebuilt motor sit before starting

[chardbox03]

i had an engine rebuilt June of last year and other projects have prevented me from finishing. I assume to spin oil pump with drill and wait for oil pressure? what other steps should I take? Thanks for your advice

 

[Spoolin98]

Did they prime/pack the oil pump when assembling? What about all the bearings, im assuming assembly lube was used? If so a good quality assembly lube shouldnt run off into the pan.

If they lubed the motor properly, you shouldnt have to worry about priming the motor with a drill.

The problem with priming the motor with a drill is you should do it right before start up. I dont know how good you are at putting timing belts on the motor while the motor is in the car, but for me it was not easy. When I did this method, I pulled the valve cover and primed the pump with a drill until I saw oil come out the required spots in the head. It also allows you to make sure there are no blockages in the head. Then you have to quickly get the motor timed and get everything back together for start up. I only did this when I had the belt off a used motor that sat for awhile. Shouldnt need to be done if the motor was built properly with lube in the necessary spots.

If you know everything is lubed correctly, then I would just prime the motor by pulling fuel and crank the motor over until you have oil pressure and you know the turbo is getting oil. Then start.

I also fill the radiator with hot water before start up, less time for the motor to come up to operating temps, this was only on new motors.
Its been awhile since I built or started a new motor, so I might be missing a few things...

 

[Kapok6]

Why couldn't you just crank it without firing, in order prime the system?

 

[Spoolin98]

He could, as long as the motor was properly lubed when assembled.

 

[chardbox03]

I was just a little sketchy because i don't want to waste my bearings on first start. There really is no direction or information on this topic. Thank you spoolin98 for the advice, I ran across a post on the V8 forums saying guys have started rebuilt motors that have sat for 10 years by turning it over with no spark/ fuel until oil pressure is achieved. I suppose i will follow suit.

 

[Spoolin98]

As long as your bearings are lubed you are good. If you're really worried about it drop the pan, pull the caps, and put some good quality build lube in

 

[Spoolin98]

My suggestion is to leave the turbo oil return line disconnected and pull the valve cover before you crank to get oil pressure. Once you see everything is getting properly lubed in the head and oil is coming out of the turbo return line then you know oil has gotten everywhere.