Thread: Hydraulic lifter prime 68' 430

Quote: Originally Posted by 69BUICKSTAGE1 On A 68 430 Oil Wont Come Out The Top Because There Is No Hole In The Top. True enough, there isn't a hole in the top because there is no oiling through the push rods. Even so, oil comes out the top around the plunger; the lifter has to bleed down somehow. The issue is HOW FAST does it bleed down; not "does" it bleed.

Hey guys, Im putting in a new hydraulic lifter, these things come dry, no oil in them and can be compressed fully by hand. I'm wondering what the proper way to prime these things is. i've heard one way is to pull the clip on top, take out the guts, fill them with oil, and then put them back together. this is a stock 1968 Wildcat 430 engine. if i were to fill them with oil to the point where the inner pistons top can be compressed by...

No Sorry, Put A Dry Lifter In A Cup Of Oil And It Will Pump Up And Fill With Oil,also On A 68 430 Oil Wont Come Out The Top Because There Is No Hole In The Top.lots Of People Install Them Dry And It Works But,it Is Not Correct To Install Lifters Dry And Listen To It Rattle While The Lifter Pumps Up. Randy

ive always been told to soak them in a clean bowl or bucket in the same weight oil you intend on using, you can work them a little with your fingers too while they are in there... someone else might chime in but i don't think you need to do anything special...

I've had good luck doing the pump up the submerged lifter with a pushrod like 69BuickStage1 does. Then I prime the engine with a drill motor and turn the engine over with the starter so as to get oil to all the rocker arms. Double-check the valve adjustment and you're ready for startup.

I submerge them in a can of 30 weight oil (remember those?) for a few days before I install them. It always worked for me.