V6 Dry Start

I've been experiencing some dry start issues with my '66 225 lately. It's always done a dry start (for a couple of seconds) after sitting for multiple days, but now it seems to be doing it almost every morning. Once it pumps up, it has about 37-38 psi of oil pressure at cold idle and has good pressure throughout the day. I changed the oil pan gasket not long ago and made sure the pickup tube and screen were clean and clear. I'm currently running the Valvoline VR1 10W-30 oil and a Wix 51258 oil filter. Also, it has a Melling HV oil pump that has been in there for about 20 years or so. Anyone else experience dry start with their V6?

 

What makes you say dry start ?
Your oil pressure gauge not reading pressure immediately ?
Is it electrical or a mechanical gauge ?

 

Some clatter and the oil pressure gauge does not read pressure during the clattering. The clatter goes away when the pressure on the gauge pumps up. It's a mechanical Auto Meter gauge.

 

Hmmmn seems to me that the oil gallery may not be primed up prior to start up.
That implies the oil gallery is draining back into the pan.
I would guess it’s an issue with the oil pump seals allowing air to get into the gallery.
If it was mine I would most likely be changing out the oil pump with GM NOS.

 

My first guess would be you are having to refill the oil filter each start up. Does the Wix 51258 incorporate a anti drainback "valve"?

 

Yeah, they say the 51258 has an anti-drainback valve, but I'm willing to try another filter too. I used to run the AC Delco PF24, but they have been discontinued.

 

When you change the filter, also consider removing the pressure relief plunger on the pump/filter housing to check for function. I have found a broken spring on one engine (215 Buick, but same as Dauntless), and another with a relief plunger that was hanging up due to sludge/gunk that built up.
Pull the large plug out to access the spring. It should have enough pressure to push on the retaining plug, and the coils should be uniform. This is the devise that controls/limits the high end of your oil pressure. You should be able to slide the plunger out by inserting a wood pencil (un-sharpened) in and lightly wedging to grip.
Any sludge, grit, or swarf will keep the plunger from seating properly, possibly causing the issues you are having.
-Donny

 

Thanks guys. I'll check out the pump and the plunger. Anyone have a filter with an anti-drainback valve that they would recommend?

 

Didn’t you just rebuild your oil pump?

 

No, I didn't. I got all of the parts, but never got around to it. Now that I'm thinking about it more, I think it might have something to do with this Wix filter. I think it started after that was installed. I've found a previous post on the forum and on some Buick V8 forums where folks have had issues with drainback with these filters. I'm going to swap it to either a Baldwin B39 or B9 this weekend and see how that works. Buick guys have been reporting good things with the Baldwins.

 

I like the Hastings LF212

 

Does that one have any interference with the frame? It looked like that one would be too long for a 225 in a CJ application. I ordered a Baldwin B39 (shorter version of that Hastings) and it’s supposed to be the same length as the Wix I have or an AC PF24.

 

No clearance issues on a 3A frame using cj-5 Dauntless engine mounts.
It tucks up under my battery tray and clears the frame.
LF212 measures 5-1/4” oal

 

Thanks. I’ll check out that Hastings LF212 too (which they say is a Baldwin B9).

 

Apparently now and for a long time (1995) the Hastings brand had sold out to Baldwin and has become absorbed by them.
So apparently my personal Hastings stash is obsolete. But back in their day the Hastings filters were generally considered to be the very best.

 

I've only used Baldwin B9's, has always taken about two seconds for the oil pressure light to go out.

 

I ended up getting a Baldwin B39 (same length as the Wix 51258 or AC PF24) and changed the oil this past weekend using that. I was also able to locate a Baldwin B9 and it does fit just fine like Arnold and Oldtime had mentioned, but I'll keep that on the shelf for next time. Anyway, I went out and started the Jeep after letting it sit for a couple of days and I didn't hear that "dry start" clatter that I was hearing before. It took a couple of seconds or so for the mechanical oil pressure gauge to show pressure, but so far, so good. I'll keep an eye on it over the next week or two and see how it goes.

 

When I start my Jeep cold, i always crank it over until it builds oil pressure and then start it.

 

That's a good thought, but the Jeep has been firing off right away during this warmer weather. It doesn't give me much of a chance to let it crank over before firing.

 

Your can add a switch to interrupt power to the coil, crank it, then switch the coil back on and fire it off.