The old Chevy trick to prime an engine is to remove the distributor and spin the oil pump from topside with a drill. Obviously, we can't do that on a Rover V8. Is the other trick of removing the spark plugs and fuel pump relay and then cranking the engine until you get oil pressure okay?

 

just unplug the coil and crank it over

 

I will take that as a yes. Thanks.

 

yes....if you packed your pump it should be pretty quick to prime

 

Yes, I plan to pack the pump with petroleum jelly. How soon should the oil be changed after this? I don't think I want that Vaseline in there too long.

 

not sure on Vaseline, but most assembly lubes are oil soluble, so that might be a better option.

 

Seems like wise advice. I saw some dude on YouTube packing his front cover with plain old petroleum jelly and thought that could compromise the quality of the engine oil used during startup and break-in. I will plan to use an engine assembly lube containing Moly Sulphide instead of Vaseline. Thanks.

 

that is exactly what mine is packed with. the moly crc lube

 

What about the technique RMT used in his write up on changing crank bearings? I'm not sure I understand it all but seems like he took an oil filter, punched out the perimeter holes, attached it, then tapped it with a nipple and pumped in oil through the front cover.

Overkill?

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...rite-up-48197/

 

Good point, I read that and I believe the starter was out to change the bearing caps, so he may have had to go that route. I'm not nearly that disassembled so the starter priming option is the easier one for me.