[Healeys] no oil pressure

[Bob Haskell]

All,

Pulled the engine out of our tri-carb last December due to low oil 
pressure and running too hot.  Bearings were okay; the engine got a new 
oil pump, rear main seal, pressure relief spring and plunger, and timing 
gears, chain and tensioner.

Started the engine yesterday and it started almost immediately.  So I 
was really pleased until I looked at the oil pressure gauge and saw the 
needle was sitting on the peg.  No oil visible at the rocker arms either.

I removed the spin on oil filter and attempted to prime the oil pump by 
squirting oil the filter inlet passage.  But it was already full.

Can one remove the distributor and spin the oil pump with a drill motor? 
  I'd like to be able to test without spinning the crank and cam on dry 
bearings, etc..

Suggestions?

Cheers,

Bob Haskell
AHCA 3000 MkI registrar
http://www.ciahc.org/registry_3000mk1.php