Hitchcocks Forum

I am probably going be sorry I asked this question. Electra X 2006. With the engine stopped, sump drain plug out would any oil poured in via the rockers go through to the sump. (Eventually.)

I don't know the answer, but I don't think you should feel sorry if you want to know the information... that's what this is for! Somebody else has probably tried and will give a sensible response.

atb Chris

No it wouldn't. The oil path goes like this (roughly)
From tank via feed pump to big end and so to sump.
Then via scavenge pump to rockers.
From there it's down the pushrod tubes to the timing chest and so back to the tank.

So, pour it in at the top of the engine and it goes down pushrod tube to timing chest and to the tank. Not into sump.

PeteF my mistake I should have written tank. So you have answered my question. So if I drain the oil as per usual for an oil change and then with the drain plug left out if I pour oil into the rockers. Both rocker covers removed obviously and any oil lurking have been sucked out, (I have the technology,) I should be able to gently pour new oil into the rocker area, (both sides) and the new oil will eventually come out of the tank drain hopefully pushing out any residual old oil in the process.

Don't think so Pappa. There's quite a lot of oil in the timing chest as it drains into the tank above the oil level in the tank (obviously) Any oil poured down into the timing chest will have to do a lot of mixing before it flushes out the old oil.

I may not be being clear enough I mean petrol tank off, remove rocker covers, and pour in new from the top to flush out.

I understand what you're saying but that oil in the timing chest will take some flushing through.

Do you reckon I could get the oil in the timing chest out with a vacuum pump. (It is designed to pump out the sump on small industrial engines, some of which do not have a drain plug, or you have to take the engine out to get at it.)

Think of it like this. Take a container of dirty oil and try to flush it out with clean oil just by pouring it in. Also, you won't be able to to pour it in that quickly as you are restricted by the push rod tunnel.

I do as Tim NZ does when he changes his oil, remove timing cover every time, fit new oil filter tip backwards fill filter with oil and refit cap. Then refit cover, filling the filter helps oil get through to the crankshaft quicker, also had no problem with the gasket as I greased both sides of it when originally fitted, have changed oil 6 times since rebuild and no leaks from the cover at all. It can be a little awkward to remove the cover but I find it to be worth it.