Engine oil capacity

[lomondbob]

Can someone tell me what is the oil capacity for a 5.7 small black Chevy? Need to know how much oil to purchase. Also, can someone fill me in on oil priming. Do I need a special tool to insert into the distributor 'hole'? Do forum members loan/hire special tools? Sorry to present yet another simple question but I'm on very steep learning curve. Thanks.


Bob Sharp

[mylesdw]

Oil capacity depends on the sump you are running but it is pretty safe to say that it will be more than 5 litres and less than 10 so a couple of cans should do the trick and leave enough for topping up.

Oil priming is, as you say, with a special tool through the distributor hole. I'm pretty sure it turns anticlockwise to prime the system; a reversible drill works fine but take it easy since it puts quite a lot of load on the drill.

[lomondbob]

Thanks Miles. I had expected to buy a couple of 5 litre cans so you have confirmed this. I'll now go ahead and purchase. Re special tool, do you know where I can acquire one from? Thanks.


Bob

[steveym]

Hi Bob,
I got mine from Repower: http://www.roadcraftuk.co.uk/

[steveym]

Hi Bob,
I purchased my primer from Repower: http://www.roadcraftuk.co.uk/

[craggle]

Clockwise turn for the Chevy pump. Same direction as the rotor arm turns in the distributor.

You only need to prime the pump if it's the first time the engine has been started. It is not necessary after every oil change.

I also buy two 5 litre cans and that gives me enough to do an oil change and top up for the year or so afterwards. Try to fill the filter cartridge with oil before fitting it to the engine to reduce the amount of time the engine runs without oil.
Realsteel will sell you a priming tool or maybe you can borrow one from a local member. Where abouts are you?

Craig.

[lomondbob]

Thanks Craig. Noted clockwise. This is obviously important. My engine is brand new so will require priming. I stay in Central Scotland and there are a couple of members up here. I'll check prices first however. I'm sure the special tool cannot be that expensive (but I'm probably wrong!). Thanks again.

[madjohnny]

Originally Posted by lomondbob

Thanks Craig. Noted clockwise. This is obviously important. My engine is brand new so will require priming. I stay in Central Scotland and there are a couple of members up here. I'll check prices first however. I'm sure the special tool cannot be that expensive (but I'm probably wrong!). Thanks again.

Got mine from REPOWER, think it was about £15....ish.

[lomondbob]

Thanks John. Just ordered one from Repower - £17.57 inc VAT.

[Richard Gibbs]

My small block has a 6 quart(US) capacity sump. That equates to 5.678L. Interestingly, the dipstick on my engine has no fill mark on it. I guess its fill the oil filter, then pour in 5.678L of Valvoline's finest, let it settle and mark a level on the dipstick. Prime and fire her up. Hoping to do that in a few months.
Hope that helps.