I agree you should ALWAYS use a priming rod to check for oil pressure before firing the engine. That way you'll know everything is allright before you ever start the engine and potentially damage things. Anymore I don't even trust new oil pumps after seeing some garbage in the relief valve of a brand new supposedly "tested" Mellings oil pump. I always completely disassemble them and clean them and check the clearances before they go in. Only costs a 19/32" relief valve plug and 1/2 hr. to make sure everythings right with the pump. 73Swinger318 I hope this turns out to be a minor learning lesson, nothing major.