Starting Engine After Replacing Draining All Fluids

[Strick.]

Gday everyone,

in the next few days ill be refilling all fluids in my engine (R32 with RB25DET series 2) after working on it for a few months. In this time ive also added a oil filter relocation and cooler kit.

My question is, whats the best way to get all the fluids out to the external hoses, lines etc etc. Ive read theres a few different ways to do it

Remove the plug from the CAS

Remove a spark plug

Remove a coil pack

Hand wind the crank/pulley

In those that have done it before, whats the best way to get all fluids out to the external parts of the lines/ engine before i actually start it?

Cheers all

(did a search and got the answers above, now out to you all as to which has worked the best!!)

[GeeDog]

When we fitted an external oil cooler, we unplugged the loom to the coilpacks (near the firewall), and cranked it over for a while. I'd think that as long as it won't start while cranking you should be fine. This is just my opinion - I'm sure one of the experts will be along soon to tell us how wrong I am....

[Ben C34]

The best way in my opinion is remove all spark plugs and crank it over. That removes the load put on the bearings from the compression strokes.

But don't stress too much about it.

[XKLABA]

Removing plugs also makes it easier for the starter motor to turn crank faster to pump oil quicker

Also take it for a good drive till it gets to full oil temp so the thermostat opens and lets the air out while motor isn't under load

I personally don't like relocator kits as it gives places for air to get trapped till your giving it the beans then it makes its way to your bearings and bam spun big end, I lost an engine in my 32 this way

[Sinista32]

I am aware of a few that have also had terminal issues when installing oil coolers with thermostats (mainly DIY'ers).

Seems it is obvious to them why - after the fact, unfortunately

Insufficient oil after a litre or so of air is introduced under getting flogged conditions.

- Impatient to test and see the temp difference

[Strick.]

Thanks for the help guys, have an idea how ill do it now

More info on the air in the oil lines after relocation and cooler kit installed. Do you mean that the car shouldnt be driven hard until its at operating temp to ensure no air in the lines? Or that the air can not escape the lines so causes issues. Or even that there will always be air in the lines?

For info ive installed it in this order block -> cooler -> filter -> back to block.

Cheers

[XKLABA]

There will be air in the lines and when the thermostat opens it will release it in to the engine, you do not want to be giving it some beans when this happens

Though given how you have it set up I wounded what kit you have and if there is a thermostat at all

[Shoota_77]

Going back to the start, in addition to disconnecting the coils, pull the efi relay or disconnect your injectors as well as it will still pump fuel into the cylinders. That fuel ends up on the oil and dilutes it which is obviously not a good thing.

And yes, remove the spark plugs as it will crank over at twice the speed without them.

[XKLABA]

Disconnecting CAS disables everything, ECU doesn't know motor is turning it doesn't fire anything

[Strick.]

No thermostat in the oil lines, however do have oil pressure and temp gauges installed into the remote filter plate.

Ill let it get up to operating temp before giving it any stick at all, hopefully all goes well. Thanks for all your help!

[XKLABA]

So if there is no thermosate it is a one way full pass setup whined it with no plugs and Cas disconnected till you see oil come out of cam cap through oil cap hole and you should be good to go

I would still take it easy on the load side of things for a few good long drives just to make sure all air has got out

[luke gtr]

Depending on how long it has been sitting...

After a rebuild, I had to actually start the car to get oil pressure.

Tried not plugs and winding, wouldn't build pressure(mechanical gauge).

Tried back priming it with a pump and oil invoice galleries, still no.

Started it, and got good pressure.

It just needed idle type revs.

Either way, good luck, and try the rest first.

[XKLABA]

I had same issue, new pump fresh rebuilt engine, couldnt get oil up to the filter so I closed/sealed the cam cover breathers and put compressed air down the dip stick tube and wound it till oil came out filter housing, removed compressed air reinstalled filter and wound till oil came out cams then started it

[Piggaz]

Don't most thermostats let through 10% of oil anyway, even from dead cold.