redstinger

Launching the boat this weekend, started right up as I floated off trailer (1990 454 Bravo 1 rebuilt to 496 150 hrs ). noticed oil pressure was 0. 'put it in neutral checked connections on gauge,( boat is still idling) all good, opened engine hatch, notice that oil return hose from remote filter is not connected at brass union which was installed years ago when I put in a larger oil cooler. Immediately cut engine. I reconnected hose and torqued down hose clamp. Never got above idle speed and the engine ran for about 30 sec this way. It took approx 5 qts to get the oil back up to the top line on the dipstick Doesn't oil still go to the bearings and connecting rods aside from the oil that is getting sent to the remote filter? Just took the boat out for a 15 min run about 3500 rpm and had 50 -60 psi at 3200 rpm and 30 psi idling back through the marina. No noises. Should I be worried?

Tartilla

Just for clarification, is this the first fire up after the 496 stroking?

Your return line from the remote filter was dumping oil in the bilge...about 5qts...that you replaced...then ren it after connecting the return line.

Engine ran for 30 seconds without oil fed to bearings.

What type of bearings are you running? Coated, 2 or 3 layer?

getrdunn

iTrader: (7)

So you had oil everywhere correct? Depending on the size of your hose/pan I’d say it took less than 10-15 seconds to pump oil out. All bs aside though I’d say you’re fine and also lucky. Lol…. I’d definitely pull the filter and cut it open for inspection and get back with us.

redstinger

No the engine was rebuilt 5 years ago. Not sure what bearings I have.

redstinger

yes oil all down in the bilge

underpsi68

Oil going in the bilge means no oil was going to the bearings. Cut oil the filter like suggested and see if you have metal in it.

F-2 Speedy

iTrader: (6)

Are you saying the return line is a barb fitting ( tightened the hose clamp ) if you have a 8 qrt pan ? means you had 3 qrts still in the pan, 5 to fill it, if you didnt hear the lifters rattling you may have got lucky

f_inscreenname

30 seconds, you're fine.

TomZ

iTrader: (2)

Agreed. If the valvetrain was quiet and it really only ran for that short amount of time at idle/no load, it shoudl be fine.

For reassurance, cut the filter open for a look after a little more run time.

Tartilla

Good call on checking oil filter for debris. Make sure you get.one of the can opener style oil filter tools. Cutting it open with a zip grinder makes it really hard not to add debris from the zip wheel.

Getting an oil sample tested next oil change may be a benefit.

With the current costs of good oils and the capacities a lot of guys run, oil sampling makes sense. Even on the oil health level vs checking for metal wear.