Junior Member
There are tools designed so you can prime your oil pump and pre-lube the engine before start-up. Some guys even make their own tool. The tool is really quite simple. It's just a steel rod with an end machined so it can properly engage the oil pump. To use it all you do is remove the distributer, insert the rod, make sure it's properly engaged with the oil pump and attach the rod to a 1/2" power drill (NOTE: You need to know which way your distributer rotates when the engine is running so the drill runs in the correct direction). Run the drill for several minutes (some guys run them for 10-15 or until they see oil at the rockers) or so and everything should be primed.
The reason for pre-priming an engine is to make sure it is not oil starved upon start up. This can happen if the oil pump does not self prime right away on start-up. A new oil pump should be pre-packed with grease from the factory to prevent this problem, but you should always open them up to check for end play and to debur if necessary. Assembly lube will only protect your parts long enough for oil to start flowing. If the pump doesn't prime quickly damage "may" occur.
I put "may" in quotes because I want to warn you about this but not freak you out. I didn't prime my CJ engine or my boat engine when I rebuilt them, we simply made sure the oil pumps were packed with grease, and they were just fine. Since all you are doing is replacing a head you shouldn't have to worry about any oiling problems. Your oil pump is already primed since you haven't changed it. You can still make a priming tool and pre-prime the engine but it really isn't necessary for your project, just keep it in mind when you rebuild the engine.
The reason for pre-priming an engine is to make sure it is not oil starved upon start up. This can happen if the oil pump does not self prime right away on start-up. A new oil pump should be pre-packed with grease from the factory to prevent this problem, but you should always open them up to check for end play and to debur if necessary. Assembly lube will only protect your parts long enough for oil to start flowing. If the pump doesn't prime quickly damage "may" occur.
I put "may" in quotes because I want to warn you about this but not freak you out. I didn't prime my CJ engine or my boat engine when I rebuilt them, we simply made sure the oil pumps were packed with grease, and they were just fine. Since all you are doing is replacing a head you shouldn't have to worry about any oiling problems. Your oil pump is already primed since you haven't changed it. You can still make a priming tool and pre-prime the engine but it really isn't necessary for your project, just keep it in mind when you rebuild the engine.