Saab: 1984 saab turbo, 12 volt batteries, oil pressure sender

Question
QUESTION:  My 1984 Saab turbo has set outside and not been started in several years.
  What steps can I take to insure the the bearings and cylinders are lubricated before turning over the engine?
       Thanks, ---John




ANSWER: John:
 I would recommend removing all 4 spark plugs and cranking the engine over using a strong battery for about 30-40 seconds. That should pick up the oil and circulate it. It would be good to drain all the old oil and put in new oil beforehand as well. You can check that the oil has circulated by loosening or removing the oil pressure sender and then momentarily cranking the engine; expect a good "spurt" of oil to fly out!
  If this does NOT work, I have used (very carefully) two 12 volt batteries in series to get 24V directly and ONLY to the starter motor (disconnect all other connections, externally jumpering the solenoid to energize the motor (no more than 20 seconds)
This ALWAYS works!
         Hope this helps,
         Jerry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jerry,
Is there any way to activate the oil pump without cranking the the engine?
 Thanks, --John

Answer
John:
 Excellent question! On the SAAB 99 engines of vintage 1969-1978, there was an easy way; one would remove the distributor which connected to the oil pump below via an 14 or so inch hex rod. I would weld an extender on the rod (or equivalent) so that it protrudes from the hole where the distributor goes...connect a variable speed electric drill, and VOILA! If you remove the distributor and see a long hex extension rod out of the bottom below the mating gear, then your engine will permit the same. I personally cannot recall if it does or not,but will search through some old manuals and get back to you if I find anything.
  Hope this helps,
         Jerry