Posted by WOJ on July 19, 1999 at 11:43:22:
In Reply to: Pre-lubrication...was: Tips on reinstalling engine? posted by Jack Smith on July 16, 1999 at 15:09:28:
I am just going by memory as I have not rebuilt a flathead since 1957, that was the year that CHrysler dropped the price on the flathead to $250.00 dealer cost and we sold them for $350.00. By 1960 we had sold all the machinery to rebuild engines and installed a John Bean alignment rack as we could make more money on front ends than rebuilding engines. Also the quality of the engines, or may I say the oil that went in them, was better by than and rebuilding was becomeing rare. The "fiber" gasket was in the MoPar Engine Rebuild parts kit and it was part of a package that contained the "fiber" priming gasket, shaft for the drill ( the shaft had a mark on it which you aligned with a reference on the engine and this gave you the correct oil pump gear mesh, 2 long screws to attach the pump, Note I said screws not hex head bolt, a new gasket for the pump, and plsti-gage. Also it contained a disc with a piece of solder in the middle and a pack of glue to cememnt this disc to the block. If the engine came back after rebuild and the solder was melted out the warranty was void as the engine was overheated!!! A reference to proper priming is discussed in a Master Technicians Service Conference book. These are little 5"X7" book that Chrysler put out for Chrysler mechanics every month along with a film strip and record. I cannot remember which one but I beleive Vol 2 #3 or Vol. 3 #2 sounds right? I am sure some one will correct me. As for priming Chrysler actually supplied a tool for this . It was a bearing leak detector but it also could be used for priming (Miller Tool C-776). This same tool is made today, I beleive by Kent-Moore, and it hooks to the oil filter boss.
Also I have just seen an engine primer being sold in a catolog for $169.00. It is meant to pre-prime the engine oil system before stating. It looks similar to what is an BIG engine, like on my D8 dozer. I have also talked to some of my racing freind who also use something similar when they stat their race engines.
If you want TRUE information about Chrysler-MoPar ask a Chrysler dealer mechanic. Job shop mechanics do not have access to all the reference materials that the dealer mechanics do.