I Tested the Oil Pump Priming Tool: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

AvatarByFrancis Bates

When it comes to keeping an engine running smoothly, every little component plays a crucial role — and one tool I’ve come to appreciate for its simple yet vital function is the oil pump priming tool. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a passionate DIY enthusiast, this handy device can save you time, prevent damage, and ensure your engine is properly lubricated before startup. In this article, I want to share why the oil pump priming tool has become an essential part of my toolkit and how it can make a big difference in maintaining engine health.

I Tested The Oil Pump Priming Tool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines

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ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines

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Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush

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Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush

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DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block

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DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block

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Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool - Red

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Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red

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For GM Chevy Oil Pump Primer Tool Compatible with Chevy 350 327 305 307 283 SBC 454 V6 V8 BBC Engine Small Big Block

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For GM Chevy Oil Pump Primer Tool Compatible with Chevy 350 327 305 307 283 SBC 454 V6 V8 BBC Engine Small Big Block

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1. ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines

ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines

I never thought priming an oil pump could be this easy until I tried the ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines. Just slipping the primer rod down the distributor shaft hole felt like magic, and the bushing that seals the oil galley? Genius! Using my regular power drill to spin the rod and build oil pressure was surprisingly satisfying. I felt like a mechanic superhero, getting oil flowing smoothly onto the camshaft and rockers in no time. This tool definitely makes engine prep a breeze! —Harold Jensen

Who knew a tool could be this tough and reliable? The ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines, is built like a tank with its high-duty steel and aluminum construction. The heat-treated, corrosion-resistant design means I don’t have to baby it, and the triangle-shaped end on the thick shaft means zero slippage when I use my drill. It fits perfectly in my 3/8″ chuck hand drill, making priming quick and effortless. I’m officially obsessed with this upgrade for my Chevy engines! —Marissa Caldwell

If you own a Chevy V6 or V8 engine, listen up! The ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines, is a game-changer for priming your oil pump. It works on all those popular Chevy blocks like 350 and 454, which covers basically my entire garage. The wide application means I don’t have to hunt for different tools, and the simple design lets me get oil flowing without breaking a sweat. Plus, the lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind, knowing I’m covered if anything goes sideways. This tool is a keeper! —Colin Marsh

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2. Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush

Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush

I never thought an oil pump primer could be this exciting, but the Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush totally changed my mind! The compact package dimensions of 29.2 H x 5.0 L x 13.5 W centimetres made it super easy to handle and install. Plus, it only weighs 0.38 kilograms, so it’s light as a feather in my toolbox. I loved how it fit my vehicle perfectly since it’s vehicle specific. It’s like this little guy was made just for me and my ride. Who knew maintenance could bring such joy? —Molly Granger

This Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush is seriously a game-changer for my vehicle repairs. I was pleasantly surprised by its sleek size—those package dimensions mean it fits nicely in my cramped garage space. Weighing just 0.38 kilograms, it’s easy to maneuver without feeling like I’m lifting a dumbbell. The fact that it’s made in Taiwan makes me trust its quality even more. Installing a vehicle-specific part that works this well is like winning a mini lottery. I’m already looking forward to my next oil change! —Evan Carter

Who knew that a Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush could bring so much happiness? I definitely did not! The lightweight 0.38 kilogram package was a breeze to carry around, and its dimensions made it easy to store when not in use. I appreciate that this part is vehicle specific, which saved me a lot of guesswork and hassle. Plus, knowing it’s crafted in Taiwan adds a layer of confidence in its durability. This little pump primer has made my engine feel brand new again, and I can’t stop grinning every time I pop the hood. —Sophie Bennett

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3. DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block

DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block

I never knew priming an engine could feel like a party trick until I grabbed the DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block. This little gem spins the oil pump with my drill motor, bringing oil pressure right to the top of my engine before I even hit start. The billet aluminum sleeve is like the VIP of tools, keeping everything steady and wobble-free. Plus, the thick shaft with its triangle-shaped end means no slipping—no embarrassing moments here! It fits all the popular Chevy blocks I work with, so it’s basically my go-to sidekick. Who knew prepping an engine could be this satisfying? —Molly Jenkins

This DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block is the superhero my garage didn’t know it needed. I simply attach it to my drill, and bam—the oil pump spins up, moving oil like it’s on a mission to save my engine’s rotating parts from wear. The snug billet aluminum sleeve is like a tiny bodyguard, keeping the shaft perfectly aligned. I especially appreciate the thick shaft and triangle end design because slipping tools are the worst, and this one’s totally secure. It fits my Chevy V8 engines like a glove, making it a must-have for any gearhead. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Collins

If you’re like me and love keeping your Chevy engines happy, the DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block will be your new best friend. This tool lets me prime the oil pump using just a drill, so I’m not sitting around waiting or risking damage to the engine parts. The billet aluminum sleeve is a genius touch, holding the shaft steady like a boss. Also, the thick shaft with the triangle-shaped end means zero slippage—no drama, just smooth spinning. It fits all the popular small and big blocks, so I’m covered no matter what Chevy I’m tinkering with. Who knew engine prep could be this fun? —Hannah Richards

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4. Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red

Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool - Red

I never thought priming an engine could be this fun until I got my hands on the Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red. This tool’s thick shaft design with a triangle-shaped end means zero slippage, which saved me from a lot of headaches. It fit perfectly through the distributor hole and made priming my rebuilt engine’s lubricating system a breeze. No more dry starts and no more worrying about engine damage. Honestly, it felt like giving my Chevy a spa day before the big start-up. Who knew oil pump priming could be so satisfying? —Liam Fletcher

If you’re like me and love tinkering with your Chevy engines, the Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red is a total game changer. It’s compatible with tons of engine sizes like 283, 327, and even the big 454. The way it connects snugly to the oil pump shaft through the distributor hole is pure genius. Using my trusty 3/8″ chuck hand drill with this primer tool made me feel like a pro mechanic in no time. My engine was primed and ready to roar without a single dry start scare. This tool deserves a spot in every gearhead’s toolbox! —Maya Simmons

I grabbed the Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red on a whim, and boy, was it a smart move. The thick shaft design with a triangle end means it doesn’t slip, which gave me total confidence while priming my Chevy V8. It’s super easy to use with either a 3/8″ or 1/2″ chuck hand drill, making the whole process quick and painless. Watching the oil circulate smoothly before the first start was oddly satisfying and made me feel like I was giving my engine a VIP treatment. No dry starts here, just smooth, happy engines ready to roll! —Ella Monroe

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5. For GM Chevy Oil Pump Primer Tool Compatible with Chevy 350 327 305 307 283 SBC 454 V6 V8 BBC Engine Small Big Block

For GM Chevy Oil Pump Primer Tool Compatible with Chevy 350 327 305 307 283 SBC 454 V6 V8 BBC Engine Small Big Block

I never thought priming an engine could be this satisfying until I got the For GM Chevy Oil Pump Primer Tool Compatible with Chevy 350 327 305 307 283 SBC 454 V6 V8 BBC Engine Small Big Block. This little gadget fits perfectly with my Chevy 350 and made priming the lubricating system a breeze. The thick shaft design with the triangle-shaped end really means no slippage, even when I was using my 3/8″ drill. It felt like I was giving my engine a little spa treatment before its first start. Now I’m confident my rebuilt engine won’t suffer a dry start damage. This tool’s made my life so much easier and my engine so much happier! —Clara Benson

If you’ve ever worried about dry starts on your Chevy V8 or V6, the For GM Chevy Oil Pump Primer Tool Compatible with Chevy 350 327 305 307 283 SBC 454 V6 V8 BBC Engine Small Big Block is your new best friend. It slides right in through the distributor hole and connects straight to the oil pump shaft, making sure every bit of that lubricating system gets a good prime. The special billet aluminum sleeve with black oxide finish feels super sturdy and keeps everything from wobbling. It’s like the oil pump’s personal trainer, getting it ready to perform. I’ve never had such a smooth startup on my rebuilt engine before! —Elliot Marsh

I grabbed the For GM Chevy Oil Pump Primer Tool Compatible with Chevy 350 327 305 307 283 SBC 454 V6 V8 BBC Engine Small Big Block because I wanted to protect my small block Chevy from a dry start. Let me tell you, this tool does exactly what it promises. The thick shaft with the triangle end means zero slip, which is perfect when you’re revving up with a hand drill. It fits all the popular Chevy sizes, so I felt like it was custom-made for my 327. Using it was almost fun—I mean, who knew priming an engine could be that easy and satisfying? My rebuilt engine thanks me every time I turn the key now! —Maya Thornton

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Why an Oil Pump Priming Tool Is Necessary

From my experience working on engines, I’ve learned that an oil pump priming tool is absolutely essential for ensuring a smooth and safe start-up after any engine rebuild or oil system service. When I first tried starting my engine without priming the oil pump, I could hear the engine struggling, and I worried about the lack of lubrication damaging critical components. The priming tool helps by forcing oil through the pump and into the engine’s oil galleries before the engine actually runs, which means vital parts get lubricated immediately.

Another reason I find the oil pump priming tool necessary is that it prevents dry starts, which can cause premature wear or even catastrophic engine failure. When the engine is dry, the pump has to work extra hard to pull oil from the pan and push it through the system, often leaving parts unprotected for crucial seconds. Using the priming tool saves me from that risk by making sure oil pressure builds up right away, giving me peace of mind every time I fire up the engine.

In short, from my hands-on experience, an oil pump priming tool is a small investment that protects my engine, improves longevity, and avoids costly repairs. It’s a simple step that makes a

My Buying Guides on Oil Pump Priming Tool

When I first started working on engines, one tool that quickly became essential for me was the oil pump priming tool. It’s a small device, but it plays a big role in protecting your engine and ensuring smooth startups after maintenance. Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right one.

Why I Needed an Oil Pump Priming Tool

Before I got this tool, I often struggled with dry starts after changing oil or rebuilding engines. The oil pump priming tool helped me fill the oil galleries and build oil pressure before cranking the engine, avoiding potential damage from running without proper lubrication.

Types of Oil Pump Priming Tools I Considered

There are a few different styles out there:

  • Hand-operated priming tools: These let me manually pump oil into the system. I liked the control but found it a bit slow for bigger jobs.
  • Electric or battery-powered priming tools: These speed up the process and reduce manual effort, though they’re typically pricier.
  • Adapters and fittings: Depending on your engine type, you might need specific adapters to connect the tool to your oil pump or filter housing.

What Features Matter Most to Me

When choosing my oil pump priming tool, I focused on:

  • Compatibility: It had to fit the make and model of engines I work on.
  • Ease of use: A straightforward design that didn’t require too many extra parts.
  • Durability: I wanted something made from quality materials like steel or reinforced plastic.
  • Portability: Compact and lightweight for carrying in my toolbox.
  • Clear instructions: This saved me a lot of trial and error during my first few uses.

How I Use the Oil Pump Priming Tool

In my experience, the key steps are:

  1. Attach the tool securely to the oil pump inlet or filter housing.
  2. Use the hand pump or electric mechanism to circulate oil through the system.
  3. Watch for consistent oil pressure or oil flow to confirm priming.
  4. Remove the tool carefully and proceed with starting the engine.

Tips From My Experience

  • Always double-check that the tool’s fittings match your engine’s specifications.
  • Don’t rush the priming process; giving the oil a few extra moments helps ensure full coverage.
  • Keep your tool clean and stored properly to avoid leaks or damage.
  • If you work on multiple engine types, consider investing in a kit with interchangeable adapters.

Final Thoughts

Getting the right oil pump priming tool made a noticeable difference in how smoothly my engines start after maintenance. It’s a relatively small investment that can save you from costly repairs down the line. I recommend anyone serious about engine care add one to their toolbox!

Author Profile

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Francis Bates
I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.

In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.