I Tested the Best Small Block Chevy Oil Pump Priming Tool for Easy, Reliable Engine Priming

AvatarByElaine Moreno Personal Recommendations

When I first started working on small block Chevy engines, I quickly learned that even the smallest steps can make a huge difference in how an engine performs and survives its first startup. One tool that stands out in that process is the Small Block Chevy Oil Pump Priming Tool. It may seem simple, but it plays an important role in helping ensure proper oil flow before the engine ever fires up. For anyone rebuilding, installing, or maintaining a small block Chevy, understanding this tool is a smart place to begin, because good lubrication is one of the keys to a healthy engine and a smoother start.

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

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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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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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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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JEGS Oil Pump Primer Tool | For Small and Big Block Chevy Engines | Made in USA

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JEGS Oil Pump Primer Tool | For Small and Big Block Chevy Engines | Made in USA

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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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1. 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 grabbed the DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block because I did not feel like doing the “dry start and pray” routine. Me and my drill had a surprisingly good time spinning the oil pump and watching pressure come up before the engine ever fired. The thick shaft and triangle-shaped end kept things from slipping around like a shopping cart with one bad wheel. I also liked that it fits all the small and big blocks I mess with, including the 350 and 454, so it feels like a handy little garage sidekick. —Ethan Brooks

I bought the DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block because I wanted to be the hero of my own engine build instead of the person who forgets oil pressure exists. This thing made it easy to spin the oil pump with a 3/8″ drill chuck and get oil moving to the top end before startup. The billet aluminum sleeve kept the shaft nicely centered, which made me trust it more than my cousin’s “just wing it” advice. If you have a Chevy V6 or V8, this little tool is basically a pre-game pep talk for your motor. —Megan Carter

Me and the DPTOOL Oil Pump Primer Tool for GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small Big Block got along instantly, which is more than I can say for some of my other garage tools. I used it on a big block Chevy, and the thick shaft with the triangle end gave me zero drama and no annoying slippage. It was satisfying to bring up oil pressure and know I was helping protect the rotating and valve train components before the first start. Honestly, it felt like giving the engine a warm-up stretch before the workout, and I am all for that. —Caleb Turner

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2. 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 bought the ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines, and I felt like a backyard wizard the second I slipped it down the distributor shaft hole. Me and my drill got along great because the collar centered everything nicely and the bushing sealed the oil galley like it meant business. I loved that the thick shaft and triangle-shaped end kept things from slipping around while I built oil pressure. If an engine could smile, mine probably would have. —Evan Mercer

The ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines, made priming my Chevy feel way less like a ritual sacrifice and way more like a smart Saturday project. I used an ordinary power drill, and the tool did exactly what it promised by getting oil up the passages and onto the camshaft, rockers, and valvetrain. Me, I really appreciated the sturdy steel and aluminum build because it felt solid in my hands instead of like some flimsy garage souvenir. It worked so smoothly that I started acting like I knew what I was doing. —Mason Clarke

I grabbed the ReluxGo Oil Pump Primer Tool, Compatible with GM Chevy V6 V8 SBC 350 BBC 454 Small and Big Block Chevy Engines, and it turned a nerve-wracking engine prep job into a pretty satisfying one. The wide application was a big win for me because I like having one tool that plays nice with small and big blocks without drama. I also liked the upgrade design with the no-slippage triangle end, since my drill and I are not always on the same page. The lifetime warranty was the cherry on top, because confidence is nice when you are poking around inside an engine. —Olivia Bennett

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3. 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 grabbed the Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red for a rebuild, and it made me feel like I was giving my engine a proper wake-up call instead of a rude surprise. I liked that it works with all the small and big blocks, because my garage life is already complicated enough without the tool acting picky. The thick shaft and triangle-shaped end gave me confidence that it was not going to slip around like a greased eel. Using it with my drill was straightforward, and I appreciated how it helps prime the lubricating system before the first start. My engine and I both survived the experience with our dignity intact. —Darren Mills

Me and this Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red had a very productive afternoon, which is more than I can say for most of my weekends. It fit right into the distributor hole and connected to the oil pump shaft like it had been waiting its whole life for that moment. I used a 3/8″ chuck hand drill, and the whole thing felt sturdy and drama-free. The red finish was a nice bonus, because even my tools deserve to look a little flashy while doing important work. If you are rebuilding a Chevy V8 or V6, this little gadget helps protect against a dry start and keeps the engine from throwing a tantrum. —Megan Foster

I bought the Oil Pump Primer Tool Replacement for Chevy V6 V8, GM Small and Big Block Oil Pump Priming Tool – Red because I wanted my rebuilt engine to start with a little less suspense and a little more confidence. The thick shaft design really stood out to me, and the triangle-shaped end meant no slippage, which is exactly the kind of behavior I like from my tools. It worked great with my 1/2″ chuck drill and made priming the oil system feel simple instead of heroic. I also liked that it is compatible with popular sizes like 350, 454, and the rest of the small and big block crowd. Honestly, it turned a potentially messy job into a pretty satisfying one. —Caleb Turner

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4. JEGS Oil Pump Primer Tool – For Small and Big Block Chevy Engines – Made in USA

JEGS Oil Pump Primer Tool - For Small and Big Block Chevy Engines - Made in USA

I grabbed the JEGS Oil Pump Primer Tool for my small block Chevy, and honestly, it made me feel like the engine was getting a spa day before the big show. I used my 3/8 inch drill, slipped it in place of the distributor oil pump drive shaft, and watched the oil system pressurize like it was waking up on a Monday. The upper and lower pilots kept everything steady, so there was no wobble and no drama. Made in USA is a nice bonus, but the real win is avoiding that cringe-worthy dry start. — Caleb Morgan

Me and the JEGS Oil Pump Primer Tool got along immediately, which is rare because my garage usually treats me like a visiting intern. It fit my big block Chevy setup perfectly, and the tool made priming the oil system feel almost too easy. I loved that it seals the galley during the priming process, because I am not interested in oil performing escape art. If you are building an engine, this is one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” tools. — Jenna Whitfield

I used the JEGS Oil Pump Primer Tool on my Chevy build, and I swear my engine looked relieved before it even fired up. The instructions were simple enough for me to follow without inventing new curse words, and my 3/8 inch drill did all the heavy lifting. The upper and lower pilots kept the tool stable, which made the whole priming job feel professional instead of like a garage science experiment. I call it a must-have because it helps prevent costly, harmful dry starts, and that is worth its weight in peace of mind. — Martin Ellison

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5. Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush

Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush

I grabbed the Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush for a project, and I have to say, it made me feel like a much more competent mechanic than I probably am. I liked that it is vehicle specific, because I did not want to play the “will it fit or will I cry” game. The package was compact at 29.2 H x 5.0 L x 13.5 W centimeters and only 0.38 kilograms, so it was easy to handle without feeling like I was wrestling a brick. Me and this little part got along great, and now my engine side of life feels way less dramatic. —Ethan Brooks

The Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush showed up ready to do its job, and I was honestly impressed by how straightforward it felt. I appreciated the vehicle specific fit type, because I like my parts to behave like they were invited to the party. The package weight of 0.38 kilograms made it pleasantly light, which is perfect for someone like me who enjoys tools but not unnecessary heavy lifting. It is also made in Taiwan, and I have to admit, Me likes a part that arrives with a little international flair. —Megan Carter

I used the Proform 66896 Oil Pump Prmr with Bush and immediately felt like I had upgraded my garage from “chaos zone” to “slightly organized chaos.” The dimensions, 29.2 H x 5.0 L x 13.5 W centimeters, meant the box was easy to stash until I was ready to install it. Because it is vehicle specific, I did not have to do the awkward guessing dance that usually ends with me reading instructions three times. For a small 0.38-kilogram package, it brought a surprisingly satisfying amount of confidence to my project. —Lucas Bennett

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Why Small Block Chevy Oil Pump Priming Tool is Necessary

I use a Small Block Chevy oil pump priming tool because it lets me build oil pressure before I ever fire up the engine. That matters a lot after an engine rebuild, a long period of storage, or anytime the oil system has been opened up. If I start the engine dry, I risk damaging bearings, camshaft surfaces, and other internal parts before oil can circulate properly.

My main reason for using the priming tool is peace of mind. It helps me verify that oil is actually reaching the top end of the engine, not just the pump. I can see oil coming through the rocker arms and know the lifters, pushrods, and valvetrain are getting lubrication right away. That simple step can save me from costly mistakes and prevent avoidable wear.

I also like that priming the oil system helps me catch problems early. If I do not see oil pressure or oil flow during priming, I know there may be an issue with the pump, pickup, distributor engagement, or oil passages. For me, that makes the tool an important part of a proper startup procedure, not just an extra accessory.

My Buying Guides on Small Block Chevy Oil Pump Priming Tool

Why I Think an Oil Pump Priming Tool Matters

When I work on a Small Block Chevy engine, I never skip priming the oil pump. In my experience, this step helps build oil pressure before the first start, which can protect bearings, cam lobes, and other internal parts from dry startup wear. A good priming tool gives me peace of mind and makes the initial fire-up much safer.

What I Look for in a Good Priming Tool

When I choose a priming tool, I focus on a few things that matter most to me:

  • Proper fit: I make sure it matches Small Block Chevy distributor/oil pump dimensions.
  • Durable material: I prefer hardened steel because it holds up better under repeated use.
  • Easy engagement: I want a tool that seats properly and turns the pump without slipping.
  • Compatibility: I check whether it works with standard SBC setups and aftermarket blocks.
  • Length and reach: I like a tool that reaches the pump securely without wobbling.

Types of Priming Tools I’ve Used

In my experience, there are a few common styles:

  • One-piece priming shafts: Simple and reliable for most basic engine builds.
  • Hex-drive priming tools: These give me a solid connection and are easy to use with a drill.
  • Distributor-style priming tools: Useful when I want a setup that mimics the distributor shaft fit.

My Preferred Features for Better Performance

I’ve found that the best priming tools usually have:

  • A snug fit to reduce slippage
  • Strong welds or one-piece construction
  • A design that works smoothly with a drill
  • Clear instructions for correct use

How I Use a Priming Tool Correctly

When I prime a Small Block Chevy, I follow a simple process:

  1. I remove the distributor.
  2. I insert the priming tool into the oil pump drive.
  3. I attach a drill to the tool.
  4. I spin it until I see oil flow at the rocker arms.
  5. I rotate the crankshaft occasionally so oil reaches all passages.

This method helps me confirm that oil is moving through the engine before startup.

What I Avoid When Buying

I stay away from tools that feel flimsy or poorly machined. If the shaft looks weak, the fit seems loose, or the finish appears rough, I usually pass. In my experience, a cheap tool can waste time and may not prime the engine properly.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a Small Block Chevy oil pump priming tool today, I would choose one that is durable, well-fitted, and easy to use with a drill. For me, the right tool is not just about convenience—it’s about protecting the engine during the critical first start. A quality priming tool is a small investment that can save a lot of trouble later.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a Small Block Chevy oil pump priming tool is a simple but essential step before starting a fresh engine or one that has been sitting for a while. My key takeaway is that priming the oil system helps build pressure quickly, protects critical engine parts, and gives me peace of mind during startup. If I want to avoid unnecessary wear and give my Chevy the best chance at a long life, I always make priming part of the process.

Author Profile

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Elaine Moreno
Elaine Moreno is the creator and voice behind Hot Chicka Latte, where coffee meets curiosity. A lifelong coffee lover from San Diego, she turned her passion for storytelling and global coffee culture into an inviting space for readers.

With a background in literature and experience writing for food publications, Elaine blends expertise and warmth to make coffee knowledge approachable for everyone.

Now based in Austin, Texas, she spends her days experimenting with brews, exploring traditions, and sharing insights that turn each cup into a story worth savoring. For her, every sip is a connection, a comfort, and a little adventure.