Following AeroVee 2.1 Instruction manual on my Onex project I prepared the engine for first start by “Priming the Engine and Setting Oil Level.”(Page 60). I operated the starter and observed oil pressure indication on my Dynon spike into the red line. I stopped cranking the engine and discovered a large quantity of oil dripping onto my oil pan. Unable to determine the source of the oil leak, I removed the engine from the mount and took the rear apart down to the Oil Seal. Oil was present around the gland nut that I removed. The oil seal appeared to be installed correctly. I removed the oil seal and ordered a new one.
Sonex tech has offered suggestions and I followed up by checking the oil sender and it is accurate. Re-checked the oil pressure relief plungers and they are installed correctly. Crankcase breather tube is clear. I am getting ready to reassemble the engine and test it on a stand as suggested by Sonex. I would appreciate any suggestions as to the cause of the oil leak and the spike in oil pressure before I start reassembly.