Zero oil pressure no matter what

[Tacoman1998]

I just recently replaced the timing cover gasket due to a coolant leak on my 07 JK unlimited with the 3.8 V6. Simply replaced the gasket, bolted everything on, and went to start, only to find I was getting no oil pressure at all due to the idiot light being on and the engine started knocking. I think I’ve ruled out bearings, oil pickup being clogged, and the oil pump being bad given I didn’t take it apart. I tried ‘priming’ the system by overfilling the oil level (10 quarts) and cranking the engine over with the oil filter off, but nothing came out after 8 cranks. My only other thought is maybe I need to pressurize the system some other way? Does anyone have any ideas/ experience with this? Thanks in advance.

 

[JeepJeezy]

Did you remove the oil pickup tube when you pulled the timing cover?

 

[Tacoman1998]

Did you remove the oil pickup tube when you pulled the timing cover?

Yeah, I pulled it off and cleaned it out and put a new o ring on the upper end. Put it back on and that’s about it

 

[Anybodyhome]

I have read that you can airlock an oil system. Although I don't have any experience along these lines, I'd certainly look at that possibility.

 

[JeepJeezy]

Yeah, I pulled it off and cleaned it out and put a new o ring on the upper end. Put it back on and that’s about it

OK good. Did you pull the plugs and fuel pump relay when you cranked the motor over?

 

[Tacoman1998]

OK good. Did you pull the plugs and fuel pump relay when you cranked the motor over?

Just the fuel pump relay. Do I need to pull the plugs too?

 

[Tacoman1998]

I have read that you can airlock an oil system. Although I don't have any experience along these lines, I'd certainly look at that possibility.

Yeah it seems like that is what is going on. I'm not for certain though.

 

[JeepJeezy]

I haven't done priming on the 3.8 but have on another motor. I pulled the relay to not flood the motor. I pulled the plugs to give as little resistance when cranking.