New oil pump priming

[burbguy82]

I am looking to replace my oil pump and screen on my 1986 k30, 6.2 Diesel. Possibly going to replace my pump with a later model increased flow pump from Melling. Purpose is to increase flow, and ensure that the nearly 40 year old pump, seal and screen is 100% Question is: is it necessary to prime and oil pump when installed a new one or will the pump self prime? Not a new engine, just pump replacement. My knowledge of pumps says no, interested in opinions or other facts that I may not know. The proper priming tool is fairly expensive, maybe I can make my own, not sure. I do plan to disconnect the fuel so the engine does not start when replacement is complete. Thanks

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=12804189&cc=1053302&pt=5564&jsn=20524

 

[shortyb]

Better safe than sorry with regard to priming a new pump. Hate for it to be filled manually, only to cavitate when turned over. What does the priming tool look like for the diesel?

 

[Cujet]

Great subject it is always a good idea to prime an engine oil pump. Not because they won't self prime, they nearly always do. But just in case they don't. Risks your bearings.

Of course, pouring some oil in prior to installation will help it seal and work instantly.

But for new engines or critical applications, the easiest way I've ever found to ensure success is to use an outboard lower unit/transmission gear oil hand pump. Put a 1/4 inch hose fitting where the oil pressure sensor is, and pump a quart of oil in the oil galley.

Simple, produces 50psi and works every time.

 

[D60]

When you put new pumps in Tritons you're supposed to prime them. That's all I know.

 

[Chris142]

This is the 1 time to use the gooey stp stuff. Pour some into the pump and it will pull oil immediately.

 

[aba4430]

I replaced an oil pump on an 81 Subaru GL hatchback decades ago. I still remember packing the pump cavity(s) with Vaseline per the priming instructions included.

 

[frankbee3]

Great subject it is always a good idea to prime an engine oil pump. Not because they won't self prime, they nearly always do. But just in case they don't. Risks your bearings.

Of course, pouring some oil in prior to installation will help it seal and work instantly.

But for new engines or critical applications, the easiest way I've ever found to ensure success is to use an outboard lower unit/transmission gear oil hand pump. Put a 1/4 inch hose fitting where the oil pressure sensor is, and pump a quart of oil in the oil galley.

Simple, produces 50psi and works every time.

That is a great idea! Thanks for posting that!

 

[burbguy82]

Better safe than sorry with regard to priming a new pump. Hate for it to be filled manually, only to cavitate when turned over. What does the priming tool look like for the diesel?

There are several. Not sure which is the right one. Leroy Diesel has one for a 250 deposit, rental is 40 bucks.

 

[burbguy82]

Great subject it is always a good idea to prime an engine oil pump. Not because they won't self prime, they nearly always do. But just in case they don't. Risks your bearings.

Of course, pouring some oil in prior to installation will help it seal and work instantly.

But for new engines or critical applications, the easiest way I've ever found to ensure success is to use an outboard lower unit/transmission gear oil hand pump. Put a 1/4 inch hose fitting where the oil pressure sensor is, and pump a quart of oil in the oil galley.

Simple, produces 50psi and works every time.

You have a link? This might be a great way, to fill the vertical column above the pump with oil will definitely help. Thanks.

Of course I intend to submerge the pump before install to give a film on startup. Manually removing the fuel solenoid will stop a dry start.

 

[Cujet]

You have a link? This might be a great way, to fill the vertical column above the pump with oil will definitely help. Thanks.

Of course I intend to submerge the pump before install to give a film on startup. Manually removing the fuel solenoid will stop a dry start.

Wal mart and nearly all auto parts stores sell those pumps. Make sure to zip tie the vinyl hose

 

[oil pan 4]

When I rebuilt my 6.2L diesel with a melting pump the drill spun a handful of rotations before I felt pressure build. That's with no oil in the galleys and the oil filter hand filled.
It was on an engine stand and I used a rented priming tool. I wouldn't go out of my way to disassemble anything to prime it.
If anything fill the crank case with oil and remove the oil filter so that the oil can displace the air in the oil pump. The pump will fill with oil on its own up to the level of the oil.

 

[The_Eric]

This is the 1 time to use the gooey stp stuff. Pour some into the pump and it will pull oil immediately.

I'm with you - I fill with a heavy oil and rotate it a few revolutions by hand to disperse it inside then after assembly I crank the engine for a bit before allowing it to fire and they always have oil pressure right away.

 

[JHZR2]

My take is yes. Do what you can.

Vastly different engine but the N55 in my BMW has warnings about this.

I believe you crank with the fuel off.

For an old mechanical diesel I’d look into holding the fuel rack at stop and cranking. Similar to doing a compression test.

Might even pull the glow plugs or injectors for easier/faster cranking.