This one goes into my "stupid things I've done" book.

So, I've got my engine on the stand. I've been working on it for a while. It's been cleaned & painted. It's had a little grinding done here and there and has been through pre-assembly. I'm pretty happy with the way it's going. I recently got my internals back from getting balanced. So I'm getting everything ready for final assembly. I turn the engine up side down and am contemplating leaving the oil pick-up tube in place. I'd already cut a new gasket for it and installed it during pre-assembly. Then I said to myself. Nah, I'll take it off and wash the block one more time. I remove the pick-up tube and noticed that I had forgotten to cut out the center of the gasket. There was no way that oil would have been able to flow through the tube :stupid: :stupid: :stupid: .

:stupid: Priming the pump up before starting the engine would have taken a while!!

THE z GOD WAS LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER ! I bet that shakes the ole conficence a little. Glad you found it as I am sure you are too. I know it's the little things like that, that haunt me some times when I am first starting one for the first time . I keep thinking that I am hearing a main seizing from spinning and insert. I am sure you will take it slow and sure . Blame it on the sore back from shuveling snow ! Gary :nervous: