I own a 2001 D2 it has 196k miles and drives great. I am going to replace the oil pump and with the entire housing new. The question is once installed are there any steps I need to take prior to first start to make sure the engine is not starve of oil.

Thanks in advance.
Joseph

 

I would remove the spark plugs and crank the motor until oil was flowing.

 

Pack the oil pump with Vaseline during reassembly.


The only engines I remove plugs out of to prime the oil pump are usually diesel engine glow plugs. The starter doesn't have near the compression to fight on a gasser.

On a gasser I remove the fuel pump relay (fuse box by battery).

Turn it over for 15 seconds half a dozen times. I always toss on a jumper box as to not kill the battery. Let the starter cool for 45-60 seconds after each key cycle

I always fill up my oil filter before spinning it on as well.

Even after years of doing this method I still nervously watch the oil pressure gauge when I hit the key for the first time.

On old distributor engines you could prime the oil pump with a drill.

If you don't remove the fuel pump relay you'll fill the cylinders with gas, it will flood and back fire. This will possibly blow out your muffler. It will have the neighbors coming outside to see who's shooting a gun. Ask me how I know.

 

Good advice from @PickleRick

 

I am not aware of oil pump housing being available 'new' - they are NLA and have been for many years

 

Lucky 8 has the pre 03/04 for sub 600 bucks. Don't know if it's OEM or OE replacement.

Looked into purchasing one a while back but for a couple hundred more I ended up with another running parts disco 2.

I've not found any information stating the 4.6 cover won't work on the 4.0 or vice versa. They are different part numbers. I was hoping to have the two side by side for tear down inspection and comparison but the timing chain in the 4.6 has gone off like a grenade. Unfortunately that was my only 4.6 block.

 

Been using one from a similar link below for about 3 years now, no issues other than the crankshaft seal. To get the best oil pressure, the Timing cover and oil pump gear should be changed out together, as they wear in together.


This crankshaft oil seal will also save ya some headaches...
Best Crankshaft seal

I agree, PickleRick speakin truth and best practices up there...