oil from tank to crankcase

3.2 CAB · 11-03-2004, 08:28 PM

This may be known to many, but not me. If you drain the crankcase on a 3.2, will it fill back up from the oil tank, even though the engine has not been started or turned over. If it does not, then how do these engines not have a dry start when starting the first time after and oil and filter change? Thanks.

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

Quote:

This may be known to many, but not me. If you drain the crankcase on a 3.2, will it fill back up from the oil tank, even though the engine has not been started or turned over.

Yes. Over time oil does leak through the suction stage of the pump back down to the sump.

Quote:

If it does not, then how do these engines not have a dry start when starting the first time after and oil and filter change? Thanks.

Keep in mind that the oil flows from the oil tank through a pressure stage in the pump and then to the engine. So as long as there is oil in the tank when you start the car, the engine will be primed with oil. If the engine has been standing for a long time (let's say over the winter), you can remove the distributor wire and turn the engine over on the starter to pressurize the engine prior to starting.

john70t · 11-04-2004, 03:31 AM

There`s not combustion pressure pushing the ring out against the walls that way, also the cranking rpms are in the hundreds, so heat-related seizure won`t be an issue. Same day between oil changes shouldn`t be an issue.

If it`s not started in a long time, the cylinder walls will be rusty, dirty, dry and/or washed clean by gas and the cylinder walls could be gouged.

If your going to turn the engine over a lot with the starter motor, pull the plugs, disable the ignition and the fuel system and give a few minutes between 10-15 second cranks.

Wil Ferch · 11-04-2004, 04:37 AM

Think of this......
The oil-change volume is about 9-10 qts of oil for our cars ( some remains behind).
If the car was run recently before shutdown...about 6 qts comes from the tank and 3 or so qts comes from the engine case.
OTOH...if the car sat for a while, like overnight....you might find an exact reversal.....6 qts form the block and 3 from the tank.
The oil will ultimately seek "low ground" .....

Wil