Just did some lower end work on 97 psd 128k motor and went ahead and removed the timing cover and new gaskets for it. When re assembling everything, is there any special procedure to prep the low pressure oil pump for the initial starting? The oil is completely drained from the engine so there will be some air in the system at first, thanks again, Ron

 

Make sure the C Case is full & the pump is not dry . May want to make sure the HPOP res is full too ...

 

I swapped in a melling pump, all I did was dunk the oil pump gears in oil, slapped it together and fired her up. Nothing special

 

heard that these Melling pumps have some kind of improved design from the original version, not sure what though.

 

Do some assembly lube or pet jelley.something that wont run out.dry may not pick up fast enough

 

okay, thankx, will do assembly lube for the startup

 

The mellings are the way to go.

I believe they are a bit more stout as well.

Will link to clay so he can provide more info.

 

Clay says they are just like the stock replacement.
Easier to install and cannot put them in backwards.

 

just going through my checklist and seems like the fel pro gasket set for the timing cover don't include the oil cooler to timing cover gasket............time to go hunt one down for less than $70