Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

[KaGee]

Have an OMC 3.8L V6 (Chevy Block). Just rebuilt, I have to install the oil pump. I assume that it requires priming. Need advise on the proper way to do it.<br />Thanks in advance.<br />Keith

 

[doman]

Re: Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

i dont think you have to prime anything ...the only way i can think of is turn the engine few times before starting ...that should takce care of it ...<br />Someone please correct me if im wrong im in process of rebiulding my car engine and if it really does require a special tehnique i would like to know about it<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Dom

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

They sell a special tool that is basically a distributor shaft that you can chuck in a drill. What you need to do is right before starting the engine for the first time, remove the distributor and use this tool to spin up the oil pump. It's a good idea to have everything wired up so you can flip on the ignition and watch the oil press guage. When I rebuilt the engine in the 75 corvette I had, I was able to wire everything up like this and saw 15-20 pounds of pressure so I knew the oil was circulating. <br /><br />The pump does not really need a prime strictly speaking, but doing this is definitely recommended as it coats the entire internal assembly of the engine in oil before that first critical startup.<br /><br />Hope this helps!

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

Fill the oil filter before screwing it on and crank the engine with the plugs out, should get oil pressure quickly. You can also pump oil (oil can) into the oil pressure switch hole. <br /><br />Aldo

 

[KaGee]

Re: Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

Thanks for the replies. I was not sure if it needed primed or not. <br />I will be installing tomorrow and wil let you know the results.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

Follow steves advice, but you should pour a little oil in the pump before putting it on, most of it will run out though, but you will at least be sure you do not have a dry pump to start with. Most are coated with grease, but some come dry. Dry pumps will not prime themselves.

 

[Elk Chaser]

Re: Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

I was told many many moons ago by an old timer to pack it full of petroleum jelly. I have done so on every engine I've ever worked on when installing a new oil pump. <br /><br />As a matter of fact, I do remember that on one of the occasions that I did actually read the instruction (probably took a beer break) for the new oil pump it did say to do just that.<br /><br />Never really questioned that old timer, he was one sharp guy with like 50 years experience with engines.<br /><br />They all primed up right away and had oil pressure pretty darn quick.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Proper procedure to prime an oil pump please?

AUTO ZONE has a tool loaner program. They had a GM Oil Pump priming tool.Cost me $25, but can return for full credit when done. <br /><br />Situations have kept me from working any more on the engine. That and bad weather. Bummer!