Is it OK to Turn 4G63 Long-Block Upside Down on Engine Stand for roughly 24 hours?

[VT_4G63]

Would it be a problem to rotate my mostly assembled long block upside down on my engine stand and leave it like that for roughly 24 hours while I reseal the oil pan?

The oil is drained out and I would drain the rest of the coolant remaining in the block prior to doing so. I am, however, worried I could introduce air into the hydraulic lifters and I’m assuming some residual oil on the rotating assembly may drain past the piston rings.

 

[danl]

It’s not a big deal, it’s not a Sr20. The HLA’s should be 100% drained for assembly. Otherwise you risk the valves over extending and hitting the pistons.

You should prime the oiling system by turning the oil pump by hand drill prior to firing. Make sure the engine makes oil pressure and that all the HLA’s are flowing oil.

The engine will tick for 1-2 minutes at first start. It’s not hurting anything.

 

[97egl]

Would it be a problem to rotate my mostly assembled long block upside down on my engine stand and leave it like that for roughly 24 hours while I reseal the oil pan?

The oil is drained out and I would drain the rest of the coolant remaining in the block prior to doing so. I am, however, worried I could introduce air into the hydraulic lifters and I’m assuming some residual oil on the rotating assembly may drain past the piston rings.

You will have some oil end up in the valve cover baffles and some will get past the rings into the cylinders. It won't hurt much but it will probably be quite smokey when you start it up at first. If you don't have a catch can I would recommend making a makeshift one to run on the car for a bit so the oil in the valve cover doesn't get re-introduced to the intake and cause even more smoke. Make sure to rotate the engine by hand before installing it. If too much oil gets into a cylinder it could hydro lock and cause damage.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

If you have drained all of the fluids then you won't run into any problems other than a little short term oil smoke. If the oil rings do their job, they will stop most of any residual oil. I would almost waste a partial quart of oil and let it drain too, to get any "debris" out of the bottom of the pan before flipping it over. Other than that, you'll be fine, like @97egl said.

 

[VT_4G63]

Ok, thank you for the replies. That pretty much confirmed what I was concerned about possibly happening in regard to oil past the piston rings and into the combustion chamber, and also into the valve cover baffles from the valve train. Those likelihoods coupled with the introduction of air into the HLA’s isn’t worth it for me.

Although it seems it would be fine, I’m going to reseal the pan with the engine in the normal upright position on the stand.

Thanks again