How do you prime an oil pump installed?

[bratpack]

Engine is almost ready to fire for first time in four years and I want to prime the oil pump. Are there any commonly used tools that fit where the distributor goes?

[dwc43]

Comp cams sells a pump drive as well as other tool makers. You could get an old shaft and grind the teeth off of it and weld an extenion to it if you need more reach. Either way will work fine.

[dodger1]

Or go buy an appropriate length piece of brass hexagonal stock the same size as the dist. shaft hex. Worked for me.

[440Ramcharger]

For small blocks, spin the shaft cw and big blocks spin the shaft ccw.
A cordless drill works well.

[RScheib]

If this is a newly built engine you are firing for the first time after it has sat for 4 yrs, make sure you prime (spin the pump with the dist puller out) and turn the crank by hand several revolutions while priming. The assembly lubrication will have surely drained/settled after 4 yrs. My engine sat for 18 months before firing and even after priming, the main seal lips burned from lack of oil. It was not fun having to replace the main seal. Good luck!

[eckertt@epri.co]

Mopar Performance sells a hex shaft for priming the oil pump, works on SB, BB, RB, and hemis. I don't have the part number handy, but it cost me less than $6. Tim

[dodger1]

Well, if I'd have known that I wouldn't have run all over town for my piece of brass hex, which probably cost me at least $6 +gas . On the other hand I haven't found a dealer who'll sell anything from the Mopar cat. for under $25. Guess I better shop around some more.

[bratpack]

I bought a 3/8" auger bit from lowes with a 5/16" hex end and put it backwards in the drill. It worked but cost $20.00. I'm gonna try and return it though.

[bratpack]

By the way, It's ALIVE! Fired up pretty quickly and only one leak. Thermostat housing was bent.