Maybe stupid question? How did you prime it before starting? I guess maybe you had intake off as well and pulled the timing gear and used a priming shaft? Or is there a trick I don’t know?
Always wet the pump with oil before installing it.
This may sound whatever to some of you... but I dont ever prime it before break in.
If you oil wet the pump before it goes together... it will draw oil instantly upon firing...and if you know what you're doing and ...it will fire by the 2nd revolution. Now...if any of you use any kind of assembly lube that's worth a ****, "some just use motor oil", it will be fine, bearings will be fine.
Done them all this way, for almost 30 yrs.