msr635

I am redoing a1992 civic VX. I picked up a engine (D15Z1) in good visual conditon to drive on until I rebuilt the original. I swapped the engines hooked everything back up with no problems. Since the engine had been sitting for an unknown period of time I decided to prelube before I tried to start it.

With the sump full, I removed the spark plugs and used a socket and low speed drive to spin the engine in the direction of rotation for about 1 minute. Reinstalled the plugs, confirmed sump level and started the engine.

After 10 seconds the oil pressure light was still on so I shut the engine down. As soon as the engine started there was and continued to be a loud knock (always a BAD sign). Checked oil level again and tried one more time. Once again knocking noise and no oil pressure so I shut it down at 10 seconds.

At this point I went back under the car and pulled the oil filter (brand new) and there was absolutely NO oil in the filter. This is a pretty clear sign that there was no oil flow. At this point I think bearing damage is a certainty.

I am still confused by the complete lack of oil flow. I have never seen a oil pump fail to get flow with the sump full. Since the knock began as soon as the engine started I am thinking this engine was toast when I got it.

Has anyone had any experience where they have had to do anything different to get oil pressure on start up?

Thanks