I'm putting my car back together now that I've replaced my head gaskets. It appears I was supposed to pack the oil pump with petroleum jelly to prevent it from cavitating when I start the car. Is this absolutely necessary? Has anyone not packed it with jelly and had no problems?

 

I've never done that, in fact I've never heard of it. But I can understand the theory - by not having air in the pump, it will create suction a tiny bit faster.

 

I've never heard of it either, I'll turn the crank manually a few times to prime it and that should work out just fine. Thanks for the response greatly appreciate it.