The final step before the engine start is to pre oil the engine. With advice from other RV builders and Lycoming literature I disconnected the oil pressure line at the transducer and installed aluminum tubing. I ran the tubing to a cup I had taped onto the left wing, in a position that I could see from the cockpit.
The process is to turn over the engine with the ignition off and the lower plugs removed. This allows oil to be circulated through the engine and into the oil pressure line. The process is finished when some oil is seen coming from the oil pressure line and into the cup.
I cranked the starter for 15 seconds and no oil yet, so I waited 3 minutes for the starter to cool and repeated the process. This time I got oil to flow after just a few seconds cranking.
With the engine oiled I reconnected the oil pressure line and installed the lower spark plugs.
