Priming new oil pump

[Akula69]

As part of the rebuild of the Christmas Jeep I will replace the oil pump and the screen. I have read in several other forums where folks have pulled the diff and, using a cut off screwdriver, spun the new oil pump to prime it.

 

I understand if the engine is being completely rebuilt why you'd want to do this, but as I am not pulling the head or flushing the engine of residual oil (I did drain it to pull it) would this be necessary? Could one just fill the oil pump with oil during install?

 

Thanks

[Automan2164]

Its hard to keep the prime of the pump, because the oil is thin, and won't necessarily stay in the pump enough to keep the prime. I have always just pulled the distributor, and done it the mentioned way, but a few of my friends have packed the gears with vasoline, or a thick lubricant to help it suck oil for the first time.

 

Rob L.

[Eagle]

I don't recall what the FSMs for the XJ and MJ say, but all the service manuals I used to use called for packing the oil pump with Vaseline to get a prime.

[aemsee]

:agree: . Just be sure to NOT used regular grease. Melting point is way to high and it won't leave the pump. Learned that the hard way in high school :wall: .