Oil Pump Priming Procedure

This article has been updated with bulletin No.: 476110.

OIL PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE
When servicing a 4.6L Northstar engine and oil pump removal is required, the following procedures MUST BE followed to prime the engine's lubrication system once repairs are completed.

1. Thoroughly pack the oil pump with Amojell TM or white petroleum jelly during reassembly and fill the new oil filter with correct specification engine oil before installation.

2. Verify engine oil is at proper level. System capacity is 7 quarts with oil filter full. Fill to proper level, if necessary.






3. Disconnect the right-front connector (power lead, see Figure 1) from the DIS module and crank the engine for 30 seconds.

4. Reconnect the power lead to the DIS and start the engine. Check the DIC for "Low Oil Pressure" message and listen for any audible engine noise such as lifters "ticking."

5. If engine noises persist, stop engine and remove the Oil Pressure Switch from the Oil Filter Adapter and install an oil pressure gauge. Be careful not to damage the threads in the adapter.

6. If oil pressure is indicated on the gauge and no unusual sounds are heard, oil pressure should be present and both the oil pump and engine lubrication system are primed. If no pressure is recorded, repeat Step 3 then proceed to Step 7.

7. If no oil pressure is recorded after repeating process, remove the Oil Filter Adapter and force engine oil under pressure (using shop air) into the engine block outlet port (the port closest to the front of the engine). Reinstall Oil Filter Adapter and restart engine.

8. If oil pressure is obtained, stop engine and reinstall the Oil Pressure Switch in the Oil Filter Adapter. Once connected, check the instrument panel display for no oil pressure or "low oil pressure" message. If, message is present, check switch connection or consult the service manual.

NOTE:
- Whenever servicing the connecting rod and/or main crankshaft bearings, be sure to apply a coat of Lubrizol(R), P/N 9780631 (Canada P/N 992869), to the bearing surfaces and crankshaft journals (cover completely). Also perform the following when servicing the internal components these steps will aid in priming the system.
- Store the Valve lifters with camshaft contact surface down, so engine oil will not drain from the lifters.
- Apply liberal amounts of Lubrizol (R), P/N 3530566 (Canada P/N 992704), to the camshaft lobes, bearing caps and lifter surfaces. Piston rings and pistons should be completely covered with proper specification engine oil upon installation.