I just replaced the oil pump.gear and changed the oil. I was told to absolutely not fill the pump.with Vaseline, I figured I could prime it by cranking the engine, so far it's not moving any oil. Any advice?

 

Sorry, obvious question, there is oil in the sump?
I'm not sure why not use Vaseline in the oil pump.
How long did you try cranking? With spark plugs removed I’d try a couple of minutes, but others might say that’s too long.

 

If pick up tube was disconnected or cleaned, make sure the gasket was sealed to prevent air leak. Also make sure the relief plunger is not stuck open.

I use vaseline in the pump gears too. I suppose grease would work, even gear oil. It seals the gaps to provide more suction.

 

I just tried priming an oil pump on a spare engine using a pressure pot I cobbled together. I cut open an old oil cooler line to do it though.

 

I've used Vaseline before with no issues, once you have oil pressure and the engine gets up to temp that Vaseline blends in with the oil. You can prime it with the fuel pump relay removed as well. Few cycles of the engine & it should prime up as well.