Priming on a first start

[Perry]

Getting close to the moment of truth on my 440. I bought the priming rod from Mancini but I have a question as to when to prime it. Logic tells me to do it right before I start but it seems much easier to mount the drive gear with the manifold off. How do you guys do it? I have reservations about trying to drop down and install the drive gear through the distributor hole. How hard is this? Any special tricks of the trade?

Perry

[dutch]

I agree it`s easier with the manifold off, but with a large screwdriver it`s not difficult to lift and position it.

[burdar]

Is the engine in the car yet?  I'd do it before the engine is in and then again right before you start it.  Like dutch said, it's easy to possition the gear using a large screwdriver.(even easier on a BB then a SB)

I primed mine on the engine stand and found a big problem.  Better to find it before the engine is in the car.  Turn the engine over with a breaker bar while you prime it.  Make sure you're getting oil to both rocker assemblies.