I fear that I might be in the same boat. I have not fully assembled the engine (i.e. valley gasket if off). Do you think it is possible to run a shop vac to the oil filter housing and while engine is cranked try and prime it (crazy, but thought I would throw it out there)

 

If you use the oil can like that I linked to and remove the oil filter and squirt oil into the pump that way you can prime it, then fill the filter full of oil and crank the engine over.

 

are we talking the plug that houses the spring and is removed by removing the circlip (right below the oil pressure sender), or the large bolt that plugs the hole below and slightly to the rear of the oil pressure sender (and also below the circlip ).

I took the bolt out and see a hard rubber o ring.... and replaced,.... we'll see how this goes

 

I see where your getting at...but my problem is I have an oil cooler on this motor. My filter isn't straight down like most, mine goes at a 45 degree angle. I may use your method BUT put a hose on the end of the oil can so I can reach up into the housing to get a better flow of oil to the pump area. I believe I may pull the oil pan tomorrow and redo the filler tube gasket{"O" ring} just to satisfy myself. If I take the pan off I'll soak the inlet to the front cover with oil. Will advise on progress.

 

You are not understanding what I am saying, go back and see the link I included, that is a oil can, the oil filter could be straight down and it would work just fine.

 

Click the link.

 

Took it all apart again and am going to put it back together in steps. I have the pump all apart and I see that the phillips head screws weren't tight. Also can I run a small bead of sealant on the edge of this cover. Can the phillips head screws be put in with blue locktite? I am also going to replace all the "O" rings on the oil cooler lines. Have NEW "O" rings for pick up tube and all new gaskets for water pump. Housing to block and oil pan. Getting good at tear down Had it all off in 2 Hrs. At least it was Clean this time. Oh can you take out the sensor in the front cover and prime the pump before installing the harmonic balancer?? Looks like it would be easier to fill it from this position. Thanks for all replies.

 

Is the oil pressure releif spring installed?....I learned the hard way over the holidays....I thought a new cover came complete.....ruined a shop vac trying to pull oil from the pan to the cover.......

 

I'm using the same cover. So all those components are in there.