Rebuilt engine - help with oil pressure at first start

[modz 147]

Hi all,

I'm not far off starting the M54B30 I've built for my E30.  As it's sat with no oil in the sump (has assembly lube on everything and oil dropped down the bores), I want to ensure I have oil pressure before I crank it properly.

Current thoughts are:

1. Fill with oil
2. Remove sparks
3. Unplug fuel relay
4. Crank briefly
5. Remove rocker cover and check for oil

Note: I did not put vasoline etc in the pickup to create vacuum as I have done on previous engine builds as I wasn't sure how long it would be until I started this one.

This may be tedious but without an oil pressure gauge I'm not sure how else to tackle it.

Anyone have better ideas?

Also how long would you expect to crank before seeing oil in the head?

Thanks

[Eagle 1661]

I remember the Bentley saying disconnect the dme harness rather than fuel pump relay but im sure either would suffice, remove spark plugs, hook up batt charger and crank at 20 or 30s intervals until the oil pressure light goes out

[E30 325i Rag-Top 2956]

I always go through same sequence with start up of new engine.

1. Plugs out

2. Hand crank over

3. Turn on starter - no compression with plugs out, check for fuel smell. Oil light should go out.

4. Plugs back in but not hooked up to

HT Leads - should get compression, slower cranking.

5. Leads on and fire up!!