Oil priming on new engine HELP

[skyman51]

I have a freshly built 318LA motor, done by a reputable company, and am trying to prime the oil pump before starting for the first time.
I have a mechanical oil guage, connected by the distributor.
I have pulled the distributor and intermediate shaft and ran a rod down through to the oil pump and turned clockwise with a drill for about 2-3 minutes.
I am not seeing any reaction on the guage or seeing any oil in the tube to the guage, or in valve train area. I can feel that the oil pump is turning.

Questions, is turning the pump with a drill enough to see a response on the guage and should I see oil in the valve train using this method.

What could be wrong?

Should I go ahead and crank it up and see if I get pressure?

Doesn't sound right to me. I have had many engines rebuilt. The engine builder always runs them to check everything and also changes the oil and filter twice. You say a reputable company rebuilt your motor and never started it?

 

[nothingbutdarts]

I love it when a plan comes together.

X2

 

[aknotts]

Doesn't sound right to me. I have had many engines rebuilt. The engine builder always runs them to check everything and also changes the oil and filter twice. You say a reputable company rebuilt your motor and never started it?

They only did the long block, not the entire setup.