I left my van standing for 3 months whilst I was away from home. When I returned and went to start it the oil pressure light remained on and the gauge did not move. I removed the banjo bolt on the transfer pipe and spun the motor over but no oil came out. So I selected 4th gear and squirted oil into the orifice from an oil can whilst pushing the car backwards. Did this a few times then restarted the engine and this time the light went out and the gauge showed pressure.

I’ve left Minis standing for long periods before but hadn’t had this happen. I presume the oil drains itself out of the pump back down into the sump. Is this something that is normal or should I be concerned?

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Slide
1965 Mini Van (1360)
1970 Mk2 Cooper S (1310)
1978 Rover SD1 V8 (4.6)
1996 Land Rover Discovery V8 (4.0)

Yes it drains out of the pump and the longer it is left the harder to get it back without repriming.

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Cheers Dave.

that was happening to mine - I'd leave it 6 months at a time.. I'd have to reverse prime the oil pump to get pressure again

it's in pieces now, the centre main crank journal is fine, but the bearing is a bit ugly from running dry, even though it was just idling

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Ive left mine for much longer and not ever had an issue. Last time it sat for 4 years. I cranked it a few time without the plugs. Once the pressure came up, I replaced the plugs and off we went to the rego shop.

In 50 odd years I've not ever had the oil drain away from the pump.

I think you have some work to do.

Cheers, Ian

I left mine too long between rebuilds, then the little end laygear bearing let go - you should see the oil pump

The oil filter did a good job though, nothing came through

I should have rebuilt it 2 years ago

Edit: switched to phone, here is the oil pump....

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?