Losing oil pump prime after oil change

[Kenmgtc]

I rebuilt my engine in 2018. I didn’t really have any oil pressure issue prior so I just cleaned up the pump cover, removed an extra gasket and replaced the pressure spring. I set the clearances correctly. Upon completing the rebuild I had a very difficult time getting oil pressure. Since then, every time I change oil, I need to pull the filter line off the top of the pump and inject a shot of oil directly into the pump with a squirt can. I put the line back on, start the car and get pressure almost immediately.

I am pulling the engine to resolve a timing cover leak and plan to replace the pump gears and bushings while I have easy access. Im hoping this will resolve my prime loss problem or should I be looking elsewhere or doing something else while I’m in there?

[Steve Simmons]

Sounds like an air leak somewhere possibly? Maybe the intake tube to oil pan?

[Kenmgtc]

That’s a good theory... I’ll look when I pull the pan. Strange that one squirt of oil fixes it,