1976 Rebuilt motor - first time start
 

I am getting close to a first start on my rebuilt 1976 2.7L motor. I upgraded the top end to a ITP set up from AT Power with an Emtron ECU, coil on plugs. It should run great. I am just about ready to start. 9 quarts of oil, so ready to go.

I want to check to make sure I have oil pressure. I removed the plugs from the fuel injectors on the rails so they won't fire.

I was told to attempt to start the car and let the engine turn over and see if there is oil pressure on the gauge. I have tried this a few times but no pressure.

I am wondering if I need to do this for longer for pressure to build ?

Any insight on steps to do before I actually start the car for real and how to get oil pressure.

verify your sender is good

Sender is brand new. How would I verify that it's good ?

put a mechanical gauge into the port for oil pressure, see what it reads

approx how long are you cranking it?
It can take a while.. ie, a lot longer than if you were trying to simply start it.

Hi
If you want to see oil pressure build before starting the engine, suggest you crank with no fuel supply and the spark plugs removed.
Cheers

I unplugged the injectors to test. Do I need to remove spark plugs as well ?

I cranked for 5-10 seconds. Do I need to crank for longer to see oil pressure ?

Jared..1st thing is does your idiot light go off while cranking..if yes-you got oil pres.after crank for longer time.If not movement on the needle check your dash gauge if it is working.I assume it was working before.Also check you vire connection on the oil pressure sender next to the alternator housing.
report after

Ivan

A new motor will definitely take longer than 5-10 seconds.

+1, sure fire way

Yup, run the starter for about 30 seconds and then let it cool down for a couple minutes and repeat. Starters have to work real hard, so can get really hot. You’ll need to do it several times to start seeing pressure on the gauge.

Thanks everyone, I ran the starter for about 20 seconds and started getting oil pressure. It came up to about 20 on my pressure gauge. Feeling good that I have oil pressure and my gauge is working. Onto fuel pressure.