Do I need to prime my LS oil pump?

It is critical that the oiling system be primed before the first start-up. Priming fills the internal oil passages so that all moving parts have oil, once the engine is started. Engine oil lubricates and cools moving parts of the engine.

Do you need an oil pump for a Chevy pickup?

While oil pumps and pickups may not be as romantic as cylinder heads and camshafts, the engine still needs a well-designed oiling system to live a long and powerful life. Perhaps the most dramatic LS engine architecture change was away from the traditional Gen I small-block Chevy oil pump.

What kind of oil pump does an LS engine use?

Perhaps the most dramatic LS engine architecture change was away from the traditional Gen I small-block Chevy oil pump. All small- and big-block Chevys employed a simple spur gear pump driven off the camshaft.

When does the LS oil pump lose efficiency?

Conversely, stock LS oil pumps do tend to lose efficiency at engine speeds exceeding 6,200 to 6,500 rpm. This can be traced to several different factors, most of which contribute to pump cavitation. This can be easily remedied with a Melling performance pump.

What should idle pressure be on LS oil pump?

Despite this lower pressure, there still is sufficient oil volume to feed the bearings and energize the hydraulic roller lifters. Given this situation, excessive idle oil pressure is of minimal benefit. Idle pressures of 30 to 35 psi, or even as low as 20 psi, offer no cause for concern.

What kind of oil pump does a Chevy LS use?

All small- and big-block Chevys employed a simple spur gear pump driven off the camshaft. The LS not only moved the pump off the cam and onto the crankshaft snout, but also improved its efficiency by using a gerotor style that is quite efficient.

How does the LS oil pump improve efficiency?

The LS not only moved the pump off the cam and onto the crankshaft snout, but also improved its efficiency by using a gerotor style that is quite efficient. But with these changes also comes some compromises. Much like carefully positioning the oil pump pickup location on a small-block, the LS has some idiosyncrasies that define its use.

Why is the oil pump at the front of the engine?

The reason this seal is so important is that with the oil pump at the front of the engine and the sump at the rear, this necessitates a 22-inch long tube from the pickup to the pump. Pumps do a much better job of making pressure than at pulling enough vacuum to “pull” the oil from the sump to the tank.

Do I need to prime my LS oil pump?