2007 2.2 , I just changed the timing and balance shaft chains , as I posted in another thread I managed to get the TC to be off one tooth.
When I took the exhaust cam gear off to reset the chain I noticed it was dry of oil. So my question is , once you remove and replace the front cover which has the oil pump integrally in it.
Does the oil pump prime itself or how do you ensure there's oil in the pump, as those of you that the oil spills out as soon as you remove the engine cover.
The reason I ask is I'm noticing a new sound kind of reminds me of a dry hydraulic power steering pump.

I've had a through look into priming the oil pump, there is no mention of it in any of the timing chain replacement videos or how to's.

 

You can pack it with grease, not a lot. How much had you driven the car after initially replacing the chain/guides?

 

Approximately 5 to 6 miles, I just was at my GM dealer and spoke to a mechanic, he stated he had never had an issue after changing TC.
I checked my oil level cold this morning, drove to the dealership and back ,about 10 miles, then when I got home rechecked the oil level.
It was down abit indicating there was oil that hadn't drained back down into the oil pan.

 

I can't find any reference to priming it in Mitchell. I never knew it was part of the cover until now.

The only thing I can find is prelubing the engine; you pump 1-2 quarts into the oil pressure sensor hole.

The procedure for installing the cover and oil pump assembly is: install the cover with a new gasket, then install the bolts. No mention of anything else.

Installing a new or cleaned pump; they say lubricate with oil then bolt it together, only fits one way.

 

Well to be sure I took the valve cover back off and confirmed oil is everywhere

 

Just took the pump a wee bit to prime itself Oldblue, no more lasting damage than a cold start on a Winter's day in Ontario when the oil flows like Molasses in January.

 

The dry power steering noise is gone , so it must have been the oil pump cavitating, until it self primed.