Hey, I'm all done with my all motor rebuild and have but just one question. I did search but didn't find an exact answer. Along with forgetting to install the flexplate ring (washer/shim) I forgot to prime the oil pump. My question is: is there any other way to prime it? I have the motor completely put together in the car and ready to go, just no oil pump prime. Can I fill up the filter as usual and turn it over by hand? Or would that even work? Can you even suck up oil with the pump by hand? I don't know if I want to turn it over a couple of times with the oil pump not primed and risk hurting anything. Please help, I would rather not take anything else apart if at all possible. Any help as usual is greatly appreciated. ~Jeff

Originally posted by powellds
Hey, I'm all done with my all motor rebuild and have but just one question. I did search but didn't find an exact answer. Along with forgetting to install the flexplate ring (washer/shim) I forgot to prime the oil pump. My question is: is there any other way to prime it? I have the motor completely put together in the car and ready to go, just no oil pump prime. Can I fill up the filter as usual and turn it over by hand? Or would that even work? Can you even suck up oil with the pump by hand? I don't know if I want to turn it over a couple of times with the oil pump not primed and risk hurting anything. Please help, I would rather not take anything else apart if at all possible. Any help as usual is greatly appreciated. ~Jeff

I usually don't prime mine, just fill the filter and crank it with the starter until the light turns off. Don't start it.

Sounds good. Thanks.

Originally posted by DarkOne
I usually don't prime mine, just fill the filter and crank it with the starter until the light turns off. Don't start it.

Yup, that's why I am very liberal with the white moly. It keeps you covered until the oil pumps up.

Yeah, I was extremely religious with my Torco lube. And hopefully this will be the last thread that anyone will need to look at for oil pump priming questions. Using the proper amount of assembly lube and filling the oil filter with oil will work. I always fill my oil filter every change, as should everyone else. :)

You can also fill to prime through the oil bypass valve opening. Just be careful since there is a spring in there that tends to fly.

It is somewhat difficult to get to but it can be done in the engine bay.



picture via Corbin.

I just made sure to use lithium assy lube, filled the oil filter, then removed the fuel/spark relays while I cranked it until the light went off, then plugged relays back in.