Priming the oil pump

[jetmechmarty]

It may seem a stupid question, but more so if I don't ask it. My bike is upside down with the strainer cover off. To prime the pump, I pour oil through the screen into the pump. That's all there is to it? What keeps it from being undone when I flip the bike back over?

[DGXSER]

Marty,

For what it is worth, I have never primed the oil pump. I always pull the oil pump, and it gets drained out, when I perform the gear repair (five times so far). I have not once primed the oil pump. I do pull the plug wires or use no enrichment so it will not fire and turn the bike over using the starter until the oil light goes out, then re-install the wires and fire it up.

Never had a problem getting oil pressure.

[jetmechmarty]

OK, that will do. Thanx! I saw the warning note in the service manual. I also remember having to prime an oil pump by packing it with Vaseline.

[DAVINCI]

Marty,

Unless you pulled the pump apart, it's still got enough oil in it to give the pump a good seal. i think the priming thing is meant for a dry pump. OR in the case of big engines, where the oil has a long way to go to the mains / rods/ lifters, it's a good idea to pre-lube the motor by spinning the pump.