Melling Engine Oil Pump Primer

Melling's Precision-Engineered Oil Pump Primers

When it comes to protecting a fresh engine build, Melling Engine Oil Priming Tools were developed as a way for engine builders to safely pre-prime the engine with oil prior to the initial engine startup. As a company with industry leading OE and aftermarket engine components trusted by engine builders worldwide since 1946, Melling brings the same commitment to quality and precision to their engine oil pump primer lineup that has made them a household name in oil pump manufacturing.

Drill-Driven Priming Tools for Traditional Applications

The priming tool, once paired with a standard hand drill circulates oil throughout the engine quickly and safely. Melling offers application-specific priming tools engineered for different engine families, including the PT13 for Small Block and Big Block Chevy applications, the PT10 for GM platforms, and the PT11 and PT12 models designed specifically for Small Block and Big Block Ford engines with different hex shaft sizes. Made In USA, these tools feature durable steel and aluminum construction designed to withstand the rigors of professional engine building.

Pressure Priming Systems for Modern Gerotor Pumps

For engines equipped with modern gerotor-style oil pumps—common in LS engines and many contemporary performance builds—Melling developed the MPL-201 pressure priming system. A larger, more robust version of Melling's MPL-101 one-gallon pressure priming tool, the external difference is immediately obvious, with the new -201 looking like a mini pony keg due to its stainless steel construction. The priming tank, when filled with clean oil and air pressure pumps oil into all of the critical areas of the new engine quickly and safely. The MPL-201 features a 2-gallon stainless steel tank, a 75psi blow-off valve to prevent overpressurization, and an eight-foot long chemical-resistant hose with swivel fittings at each end, as well as three common adapter fittings — including a 16mm LS adapter.

Why Engine Builders Trust Melling Primers

Proper oil system priming prevents catastrophic damage from dry starts that can destroy bearings, camshafts, and cylinder walls in seconds. Manufactured from the highest quality materials available, Melling engine priming tools circulate oil through critical areas of your new engine before engine startup. Whether you're building a classic muscle car with a traditional in-pan pump or assembling a modern LS-based performance engine with a crankshaft-driven gerotor pump, Melling provides the specialized priming tool engineered for your specific application—backed by decades of engineering expertise and American manufacturing quality.