Oil Pressure Questions, help an inexperienced engine builder

[Davidsalfa]

I am rebuilding an Alfa 2 liter Alfetta motor for the 2nd time. The first time was (sucessfully) in the early 90's for one of my many Alfettas and now I have freshened and updated this same motor for use in my '77 Nuova Super (you can see the pics of the car in the sedan forum).

Here are the quick specs: Cross drilled crank with machined end for pilot bushing (Apex engineering), lighted flywheel (Apex engineering), had the block cleaned (Apex), new main and rod bearings, reused my liners, motronic pistons and rings (installed 3000 miles ago, and balanced at that time), modifed oil pump with shimmed relief valve per Mike Besic's recommendation, Centerline big valve performance head w/new followers, mystery high lift cams that I liked in a previous 2 liter, new timing chains, new water pump, new late Bosch starter, rejetted Delorto 40's, Centerline electronic distributor, Centerline GTA replica headers.

Ok, I have completed the assembly of the engine and everything appears properly timed and moves freely. As I am completely paranoid and I don't remember checking the front timing cover gasket to see if the hole for the oil-feed to the head is in the correct position (I have read that these gaskets are sometimes a problem?). I have decided to check the oil pressure before installing the engine and transmission. I bolted up the bell housing and starter, removed the oil pressure sender and replaced it with a mechanical gauge. I have now spun the motor for about 20 seconds and I do not have any oil pressure. Zip Zero Nadda.

What now? Do I need to spin it longer? Do I need pull everything apart?

Thanks!

DAvid

[papajam]

Ensure that the spark plugs are removed so that the engine will spin faster. Do not crank the engine for more than about 30 seconds as the starter can overheat. Let cool for a couple minutes between attempts. 2 or 3 attempts should do it.

[Gordon Raymond]

If you remove your mechanical gauge and try a few turns a Jim suggests, you will quickly purge the system of air. Then replace the gauge and have a go.

[Davidsalfa]

Alfa BB to the rescue once again! Thanks! You guys had it right! It took about 25 seconds of cranking and I had oil coming out of the oil pressure fitting. I attached the mechanical gauge and got about 80lbs.

Now, one last question: If I have pressure at the gauge fitting does that mean that I have enough pressure going to the head? This refers back to my original question. I have read that the front cover gasket sometimes covers up the passage way to the cylinder head. Should I be worried about this?

David

[Gordon Raymond]

David, Pull the cam cover, and see if you have pools of oil in the galleys by the drains. If so all is well. If not crank the starter a little more, watching for oil seeping from the cam journals. It probably will not be dry up there with 80 lbs unless there is the front cover problem you mention. These gaskets are pretty well made, and in the worse case, only partly extends to the edges of that galley. If you have 80 lbs at the gauge, you should be fine. See photo.

[genericwood]

David, you don't need to worry about oil to the head. If you had the wrong front cover gasket, you would be restricting oil flow into the main oil galley and wouldn't be getting the pressure reading you are. The cams get there oil from the galley long after it goes through the front cover into the block!

Erik

[Davidsalfa]

Gentlemen:

Thank You! All your suggestions make sense. Now I can worry about the other stuff! A lot of work to be done before the convention....If I don't make it I will tow it to the Concour.

David