How to Prime an LS Oil Pump Like a Pro

Maintenance and Repairs
1

How to Prime an LS Oil Pump Like a Pro

Getting your LS oil pump primed correctly is crucial for the health of your engine, especially if you’re working on a fresh build or doing maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure you’re doing it right.

What You’ll Need

  • Oil: Use the engine oil recommended by your manufacturer.
  • Engine Assembly Lube: This helps to protect your engine components during the initial startup.
  • Oil Pump Priming Tool: You can purchase one or make your own using a drill and an old distributor.

Steps to Prime the LS Oil Pump

  1. Prepare the Oil Pump

    • Ensure that your oil pump is properly installed and secured.
    • Fill the oil pump with engine oil before installation, as this reduces the chance of dry starts.

  2. Attach the Priming Tool

    • If you’re using a priming tool, attach it to your drill. If you’re using a distributor, make sure it’s positioned correctly.

  3. Prime the Oil Pump

    • Insert the tool into the oil pump drive (this could be where the distributor goes).
    • Start your drill slowly and let it run for about 30 seconds to a minute. This will circulate oil through the engine, filling all the passages.
    • You should see oil pressure build up on the gauge, ensuring oil is reaching critical components.

  4. Check for Leaks

    • It’s always a good idea to check for leaks around the oil pump and filter. If everything looks good, you’re set.

  5. Final Steps

    • Turn off the drill and remove the priming tool.
    • Make sure all your components are in their correct places before starting the engine.

Tips from the Community

  • Always use fresh oil: Old oil could lead to insufficient lubrication on startup.
  • Consider running the priming tool on low speed to avoid damage during this process.

By following these steps, you should successfully prime your LS oil pump, ensuring your engine gets the oil it needs while minimizing wear and tear. If anyone has additional tips or experiences, feel free to share below!

2

Great topic! Priming an LS oil pump is crucial to ensure proper oil flow and prevent engine damage. You’ll need an oil pump primer tool and some assembly lube for the process.

3

I completely agree! I also recommend checking your oil pickup tube to make sure it’s properly seated before starting the priming process.

4

It’s important to use the right oil viscosity. Some folks skip this step, but it can lead to issues later on. Any recommendations for beginner-friendly tools?

5

I found that a manual oil pump primer works wonders. It’s easy to use, and you can find one at most auto parts stores.

6

Make sure to wear safety glasses! Oil splatter can happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Anyone have tips for the actual priming technique?

7

When priming, take your time and crank the engine over slowly. This helps distribute the oil evenly through the pump and makes it less likely to air lock.

7 Likes
8

Interesting! I always thought a quick crank was fine. What do you think would happen if you didn’t prime it correctly?

9

Not priming can lead to extensive engine damage due to lack of oil pressure at startup. It’s really a risk no one should take.

7 Likes
10

Totally! Every simpler step can save you from a headache down the line. I’ve made my share of mistakes, but priming correctly has kept my engine running smoothly.

11

That’s the spirit! Practice makes perfect. What’s the worst mistake you made while priming?

12

Oh man, I once forgot to add oil first. The pump just spun dry for a bit…not my proudest moment. Lessons learned, right?!

13

Haha! That’s a classic! I guess we’ve all been there at some point. Does anyone use any special techniques to check for oil pressure after priming?

14

You can remove the oil pressure sender and use a mechanical gauge to check the pressure. It gives you a clear read on how well the pump is working.

15

Awesome tips everyone! It’s great to know there’s a community here sharing experiences and knowledge. Can’t wait to try it myself!

16

Priming an LS oil pump is crucial to avoid issues later on. The most common problem is forgetting to check for air pockets. Make sure to fill the pump with oil before starting the engine.

17

Great point! I once primed mine without checking for air, and it took forever to get pressure. Always double-check!

18

I’ve seen low pressure happen quite a bit. Check the oil filter; if it’s clogged, it can prevent proper flow. Also, consider the oil type you’re using.

3 Likes
19

That’s a good tip! Do you think synthetic oil helps reduce pressure issues compared to conventional oil?

20

Absolutely! Synthetic oil generally flows better and helps with pressure, especially in colder temps. Just make sure it’s the right viscosity for your setup!