prining oil pump 251 spitfire

Anyone know the best way to prime the oil pump? Could you pull the plugs and turn it over for 30 seconds or do you have to pull the distributor out and turn it with a priming tool????

Pulling the plugs and turning it over should work.

Pulling the distributor will not, because the gear stays in the motor on Chryslers, the distributor has a short shaft with a tang that fits into a slot. So you can't turn the pump from the distributor shaft.

Another good way is to use a pressure container of oil, connected to the oil gallery at the oil pressure gauge fitting. I have seen a garden sprayer used for this.

Not sure what you are trying to accomplish? Is this a newly rebuilt engine or one that has been out of commission?

thanks rusty out of commission 42 years just rebuilt- a pain in the ass

I've heard that an effective way to prime an oil pump was to pack it full of Vasoline. I think I tried it once, and it worked.

Do you mean just rebuilt 42 years ago and never run? In that case I suggest you at least take the pan off and if possible inspect the cylinders with a bore scope or remove the head. If the engine has not been run you should be able to reuse the head gasket.