I’ve seen that idea- just don’t have an old one around. Figured a tool would be cheaper than eBaying an old distributor.
I bought the tool from Oriley's for $22. A modified large screwdriver could work. It doesn't take but 15 seconds with a drill motor to prime the pump.
This is the one I have. I have had it forever, can't remember where I got it. You can make one with a screwdriver and socket if you want, or just buy one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Speedway-5...Priority!11364!US!-1:rk:1:pf:1&frcectupt=true
For priming a newly rebuilt or disassembled engine, without the distributor inserted... I cut the handle off a cheap, long, flat-head screwdriver and insert it into a drill. Run it long enough until you see oil coming out of the pushrods/rockers. Don't know how necessary it is to prime a motor that has been setting for just a few months. A year or more of sitting, I might be more concerned. Always good to start it occasionally through the winter and let the engine heat up to temp, and best to also drive it a little (keeps brake drums/rotors from rusting up and brake lines/pistons, etc. from corroding). Also, old gas is bad for the carb and the octane gets pretty low.
I would just use the starter and fire it up. As long as the fast idle isn't set at 2k, there's no reason to prime the engine after a few months.
Probably true, mine's been sitting idle for about six months now (I'm admittedly lazy and easy distracted). I grabbed one from ebay, which should at help me extend the life of my 400 for a while. Thanks all for your input/advice/suggestions!
If you want, you can pull all the spark plugs, then spin it over with the starter in 10-15 second bursts. Once you see oil pressure, you are fine.
Dont touch the gas and let her crank for about 15-20 seconds. Pump the gas twice and light off. Be prepared to instantly tap the choke off fast idle and let it stumble for a few seconds. Every 2 turns on the crank is a turn on the pump. Dont overthink it. ws
