I just finished a rebuild and started up the motor. The oil pressure built to 60 and then dropped. I shut the engine off very shortly after (it was probably only running for 15-30 seconds total) and found that one of my oil cooler lines had blown out. I must not have gotten the clip entirely lined up or something.

My question is: How can I put these oil cooler lines together so that there is no chance of this happening again? I had a hard time getting the lines together in the first place as there wasn't really any space for my hands. Any tricks of the trade to get those lines connected easier?

I plan to turn the engine over with no spark/fuel to get pressure FIRST this time. Is there anything else I should be doing to make sure I don't harm the engine when I start it again? I am already nervous enough that I did damage when the oil pressure dropped.

Thanks,
David

 

That's a fairly common 'rookie' mistake so don't feel too bad The engine should be fine, especially if it was assembled with adequate assembly lube.

you can see where the grooves should line up..... make sure the male end is pushed all the way in as far as you can, then align the teeth on the clip with the indents on the insert. Once the clip is in, hold the end on the frame to brace it and try to pull the end going to the engine back out. Sometimes it's easier to get at them from underneath.

To effectively prime the system, pull the EGI fuse. It's located at the fuse box near the battery, middle fuse.... look on the cover. It's a pink 30 amp fuse.

 

Use a flashlight when you put the clips on so you can see that both ends are fully together and you can see the hole the clip rides in.

It was a lot easier underneath the car (I pulled my hardlines and hoses all the way down to the oil coolers). Just don't smile you'll get oil in your teeth.

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's done this. It was like the Exxon-Valdez on my garage floor. Like the others said, work from beneath and double check by trying to pull them apart after the clip is in.