Oil Pump Primer Tools & Shafts

What Do Oil Pump Primer Tools Do and How Do You Use Them?

Oil pump primer tools spin your oil pump without running the engine, pushing oil through the galleries before first start-up. You'll want one after a rebuild, a cam swap, or long storage, when bearings and lifters may be dry.

To use one, remove the distributor and slide the primer into the distributor bore until it engages the oil pump drive shaft. Chuck the other end in a drill and spin the pump. Watch your oil pressure gauge and check for oil at the rocker arms.

Primers are engine-specific, so an SBC oil pump primer tool won't necessarily fit a Ford. If you build Fords, look for a Ford oil pump priming tool matched to your engine family. Proform offers an oil pump primer, part 67567, in its lineup of engine-building tools.

Setting up for a full build? Our guide to engine rebuild tools every mechanic should own covers the other essentials for your bench.

Which Oil Pump Drive Shaft Fits Your Engine Family?

The right oil pump drive shaft depends on your engine family, block, and pump type, so start there. The shaft links the distributor or drive gear to the pump, and the ends have to match both. Here's how the shafts in this category break down by engine:

• Small block Chevy oil pump shafts from ARP (070-134-7901) and Canton Racing Products (21-200)
• Big block Chevy shafts from Moroso (710-22074, 710-22080), plus 710-22072 for Dart blocks
• Small block Chevy shafts for BBC-style pumps from Moroso (710-22090)
• Small block Ford shafts from Milodon (697-22500) and ARP (070-154-7904 for 289-302 and Boss 302)
• Ford 351W shafts from Speedmaster (PCE301.1004)
• Ford FE shafts from Milodon (697-22550) and Speedmaster (PCE301.1006)
• Big block Ford 429/460 shafts from Milodon (697-22570)

Check the block, deck height, and pump listed in each product's fitment before you order. If you want a refresher on how the pump, pickup, and galleries work together, read how engine oil systems work.

Should You Choose a Stock Replacement or Heavy-Duty Oil Pump Shaft?

A stock replacement shaft suits a stock or mild rebuild. Step up to a heavy-duty shaft when you add a high-volume pump, more rpm, or race use. The shaft carries the torque needed to turn the pump, so extra pump load puts extra stress on it.

Heavy-duty and high-strength shafts use tougher materials and tighter machining. Milodon, for example, builds its shafts from 4130 chrome-moly steel with CNC machining. Speedmaster sells heavy-duty driveshafts for Ford 351W, Ford FE, and big block Chevy 454, with a sleeve on the BBC version.

If you run a Gen IV, V, or VI standard-deck block, look at the JEGS 555-23651 High-Strength big block Chevy oil pump shaft. For Fords, Ford Performance offers M-6605-A341 for the 351W and M-6605-B302 for 1987-95 Mustang 5.0L engines.

Whichever you pick, look for a retainer or sleeve. It keeps the shaft from dropping out of place when you pull the distributor.

When Should You Replace an Oil Pump Intermediate Shaft?

Replace the oil pump intermediate shaft whenever you install a new oil pump. Melling recommends a new shaft with every new pump install, since worn shaft ends can slip in a fresh pump.

You should also plan on a new shaft during a full rebuild, a distributor swap, or a move to a high-volume pump. If you're thinking about reusing a shaft, check it for these warning signs:

• Rounded or twisted drive ends
• A missing or cracked retainer sleeve
• Any bend along the length of the shaft
• Scoring where the shaft meets the pump

Melling intermediate shafts here include IS-55D, IS-74, and IS-95. You'll also find 12770 for 1965-94 big block Chevy and 12550 for 1955-2002 90-degree V6 and small block Chevy engines.

Pair your new shaft with a matching pump from our oil pumps, pickups, and parts selection. Add fresh Fel-Pro O-rings while you're in there.

What Related Oil System Parts Does Your Engine Build Need?

Your shaft and primer are one piece of a complete oiling system, so plan the pump, pickup, pan, and filter together. A high-volume pump may need a matching pickup and a pan with enough oil capacity to keep it fed.

Don't overlook filtration. A high-flow oil filter keeps debris away from the bearings you just primed, so match the filter to your build and oiling needs. Before first start-up, confirm every oiling part fits the same engine family.

Round out your build with these related parts:

• Oil pans and components sized for your chassis and pump
• Pickup screens such as the Melling 55-S1
• Fel-Pro O-rings for pump and pickup sealing
• Bearings, rings, and other engine parts in Engines & Components

Racing builds may call for a different setup, so compare wet sump vs dry sump oil systems before you choose a pan. When you're ready, shop the full Oil System category to finish your build.