New oil pump, no oil pressure!

[halmca]

'98 4.0 L New oil pump, no oil pressure. I didn't prime the pump.

Fortunately, I have the whole front end stuff -- steering, axle, everything, out from under the XJ, so taking the oil pan back down is not a huge deal. Nothing's in the way.

However, if there's an easier way to wake the pump up, I'd sure prefer to follow that course.

Ideas?

[tjmotter]

I haven't done this on a Jeep but on a Ford, you simply need to remove the distributor and use a socket connected to a drill to spin the pump until oil starts to flow.

[halmca]

Originally Posted by tjmotter

I haven't done this on a Jeep but on a Ford, you simply need to remove the distributor and use a socket connected to a drill to spin the pump until oil starts to flow.

Thanks! There's a youtube video with the same approach. I'll give it a try in the AM. Again, thanks.

[Agreen]

Are you sure there's no oil pressure?
Did the engine make a lot of noise?
Does the gauge work?
Is the distributor installed properly?
Why did you change the oil pump in the first place?

[cruiser54]

This^^^.

I've always just cranked the engine over with the CPS disconnected, got oil pressure, and fired it off.

[8Mud]

There is a slot at the bottom of the distributor well, I've used a 5/16 steel rod and hammered one end to look like a screwdriver blade then used a drill. I learned, the next pump I packed with Vasaline and it pumps the oil up fast. Or you can use a socket extension with a large screwdriver socket on the end, a tiny drop of superglue will keep it on there.
I guess it depends on the pump clearance whether it will pump with just the starter or not. Pack it with vaseline and it will prime quickly every time.

[RCP Phx]

Everyday for the first start of the day on my stroker motor I just push the oiler switch and run it up to 30psi before starting the motor !!!

[Unclewolverine]

I just knocked the roll pin out of the gear on a worn out distributor and used my half inch drill over the rotor shaft for a primer.

[denverd1]

make sure the sending unit wire is connected. then prime the pump with the above methods.

[halmca]

I removed the oil pump and "primed" it with ordinary chassis grease. Then because I had run the engine longer than I thought wise with no oil pressure, I decided to do the remove-the-distributor as well just to make sure that it oiled up. Got all done, and the engine would not start. (but showed great oil pressure.) I thought of the many folk who screw the timing up by not setting the timing up correctly.

Then I remembered: you've got to plug the coil back in.

Alls well that ends well. Thanks for the several suggestions. Jeep runs great with new rear main seal and oil pump.

[RCP Phx]

Originally Posted by halmca

I removed the oil pump and "primed" it with ordinary chassis grease.

You had better cross your fingers that you don't get a blockage/restriction from that!

[cruiser54]

So unnecessary......

But glad you got it running.

[halmca]

Originally Posted by cruiser54

So unnecessary......

But glad you got it running.

Thanks. My XJ is utterly unnecessary as is every thing I do to it or with it.

[halmca]

Originally Posted by Unclewolverine

I just knocked the roll pin out of the gear on a worn out distributor and used my half inch drill over the rotor shaft for a primer.

Good idea.

[Unclewolverine]

Originally Posted by halmca

Good idea.

Just remember to remove the little wave washer, I forgot and just happened to see it at the last second. Could of been bad!