Priming isn't really the right word here, at least not in the traditional sense. A gear pump that is pumping oil doesn't need priming to get it to start working; though it does need priming to get it start working quickly. The idea on a new rebuild is to get oil into all the galleys, passages, pump, cooler, etc without actually spinning the engine and creating wear. At the very least, pressurize the system in as few revolutions as possible. This means priming as much of the engine as possible. Even though assembly lubricant is used during the rebuild, there is no substitute for getting oil as quickly as possible to everything.

Jerry Lemond told me about, and said he favors, the "paint tank" type of pressurization(can of oil inside a pressurized container, or pressurize a container of oil) that forces oil into the engine like forced medication through an IV tube. This seems like a great idea though I have the engine together and in the truck a good feed point is not easy to get to.

Just thought maybe some folks on the forum have a nice trick for "priming" the engine I haven't heard of that they could share.

Unless you put the engine together "dry", without any lubrication at all, spinning the engine over to pump oil won't hurt it. Speeds are slower and pressures considerably less at crank speed.
My suggestion: remove the injectors, remove the wire to the "fuel on" solenoid on the IP, and crank it over till you get oil pressure somewhere high on the head. IIRC, there is an oil line on the back of the head. Crack the banjo bolt here and wind it till oil comes out. Tighten the bolt and wind it a bit more, be sure not to overheat the starter. Removing the injectors will of course remove compression and thus strain on the starter.
I've been building high-performance engines for years (motorcycles, atv's, etc) and lube the engine parts with engine oil during assembly. Then I proceed to do pretty much what I just described. I have yet to ever have an engine fail because of this, or score/damage anything from lack of lubrication. I'm sure a diesel is no exception.


Just my 2ó worth <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />