Will cranking engine with valve covers off create a big mess?

[josephb983]

If I crank the engine without the valve cover, and with the spark plugs disconnected, will this create a big mess with oil splattering everywhere? I need to do this to check the lifters and flow of oil on my M42 engine.

[318is93]

I've turned my motor over to inspect the chain via the crank bolt. I haven't had any issues with oil squirting everywhere.. although I haven't checked my oil pan and there may be some blockage.. could explain my oil light and some of the noise aswell.

[josephb983]

I should have said, I am talking about cranking the engine using the key. The starter will be cranking the engine over. This will do it quickly simulating the engine running.

Will this cause oil splatter? Anyone?

[KenC]

Yes.

[Cobra Jet]

No...

If the spark plug wires are disconnected at the coil packs, there is no spark to the engine and the engine will NOT fire up.  The engine, if cranked by the key will turn over with the power of the starter, not enough to make the lifters shoot oil all over the place....

Just be sure to disconnect all (4) plug wires from the coil pack and place them away from any potential "reconnect" at the packs while turning the engine over.

Now, if you forget to disconnect the spark plug wires at the coil and someone fires up the car w/ the valve cover off, sure, you're going to have quite a mess...

The starter will only crank or turn over the engine with the power of itself, not enough to rotate the entire engine mass enough to shoot oil everywhere.

[josephb983]

Thanks, I'll make sure I don't have the spark plugs connected to the coil.

[haledj]

I have done it, no oil squirting.

[KenC]

Yeah, it's not going to shoot crazy all over the place.  Just spatter.