How to Properly Prime Your Engine

From the phone calls that I receive I know that there are a lot of "engine Builders" who do not know how to properly prime an engine before start up. I know because they call with comments like "the cam must be defective because one lobe wore out with only 100 miles on it." Or these bearings are junk. They wore out in no time." In both cases when asked the builder admitted to not priming the engine before startup.

Melling has provided an excellent guide to proper oil pump priming for your viewing pleasure. Please look it over so we can stamp out some of the pre-oiling myths.

The Too Long Chevy Distributor

"Bob from Bob's Auto Tune," he said over the phone. "What's my discount price on a Mallory distributor?" He added, "Small block Chevy and I need a bronze gear 'cause I'm running a billet roller cam."

Ten minutes later he picked it up. Ripped apart the box and checked the distributor from one end to the other. Checked out the gear, too.

The Case of the Defective Manifold

He bought an Edelbrock intake manifold for his mid '70s Pontiac 400. I got the call.

"Hey, I bought an intake for a Pontiac 400 yesterday and it's defective. I'd like to return it and exchange for a good one."
"What seems to be the problem?" I asked.