Make sure the bypass in the pump(s) are not stuck. I purchased a ported pump from a guy on ebay and with the bypass stuck open the pump would not build any pressure. Also you can definitely prime the engine with the starter. We were able to prime our engines even pumping through a remote oil filter, 6' of -10 hose and a large oil cooler. Usually took 15-20 seconds with a stock pump to get oil pressure. At this point I would also pull the spark plugs(to crank faster) and pull the oil pressure sending unit and fill the galley up with oil to help the process along.

 

ok better yet, what color is your oring? It needs to be the red one. Here's the differences.

Credit to Quik for the pics.

 

Its blue. I called the dealership and they listed two orings for it. One for tube with locating groove and one without it. Mine does not have a locating groove.

 

if you've done everything else . . . . I'd go by the $7.00 oring and try that before you tear anything else apart

 

Well im pretty positive i just found the problem. I didn't realize it during assembly, but i just bought a new oil pan gasket and my old gasket is missing the small part that goes around the area near the filter which seals the galley off from the pan. So the pump was sucking oil, but it was dumping right back into the pan.

I'll change it out in the morning and report back, but im optomistic that this is the issue.

 

how'd you do that? Don't you have a truck oil pan?

I'd still get the red o ring

 

well i replaced the oil pan gasket and i've got oil pressure now. Came right up to about 40psi cranking it with the plugs out. Thanks for the help guys

 

Adam,
I think that it's great that you got this figured out! I hope that your new engine runs like a champ.

Steve

 

Thanks man, i still have the t56 swap to do before i can drive it but it sounds like a beast.

 

Glad you got it straight.