I always pack a new oil pump with Vaseline before I install it. It helps the gears develop suction to pull the oil through the inlet screen, and petroleum jelly dissolves completely as soon as oil hits it, unlike some types of grease which contain fiber material that can find its way into places it can cause problems.
Jerry
You reminded me of the 66 Buick V8 I used to have. The oil pump was external, and if you did not pack every crevice with petroleum jelly, you were hosed (high tech Canadian vernacular, eh?).
Carl
