So, I'm ready to restart my Gen 2 after a head gasket replacement. The motor won't have any oil except in the sump, and there's no coolant in there. Is there a way to get coolant into the block before I start it up, or is that necessary? I thought about turning on the heat, running the motor and just adding coolant to the radiator. Could I "prime" the block by pouring coolant in through the upper radiator hose before I start? How do I ensure that there are no significant air pockets in the system?
As for oil, for my other car ('72 Triumph TR6), if I've changed the oil or if the car's been sitting for longer than a few weeks, I'll turn the motor over on the starter with the ignition disconnected until the oil pressure gauge comes to life. Usually takes 10-15 sec of cranking. I thought about doing the same with the Outback - either disconnecting the plug cables at the coil end or pulling the fuel pump fuse, and cranking the motor for 10-15 to get oil out to the valves and cams before I actually run it. I did squirt some oil around the heads before I reinstalled the rocker covers, but that was weeks ago.
Thanks in advance.
As for oil, for my other car ('72 Triumph TR6), if I've changed the oil or if the car's been sitting for longer than a few weeks, I'll turn the motor over on the starter with the ignition disconnected until the oil pressure gauge comes to life. Usually takes 10-15 sec of cranking. I thought about doing the same with the Outback - either disconnecting the plug cables at the coil end or pulling the fuel pump fuse, and cranking the motor for 10-15 to get oil out to the valves and cams before I actually run it. I did squirt some oil around the heads before I reinstalled the rocker covers, but that was weeks ago.
Thanks in advance.