oil pump priming

Guys how common is it to have to prime oil pump,when changing oil .I changed oil filter the other night,when starting the car no oil pressure.
The oil pump is topran and not that old.I tried to draw oil up from what was drained but no joy,it will pump merrily if primed.
Is this just the nature of the beast,are gen vw the same.
i read Jonny's trick re priming and sealing end with Vaseline.

Was about to comment here too but seen the replies on FB.  

Hairyarse said

Was about to comment here too but seen the replies on FB.  

Not everyone is on facebook……go on - share the knowledge!!….

LOL

I had said that it's not the norm to have to prime the oil pump at an oil change.

I think that Mann were the maker of the VW oil filters? And, that non-genuine filters can have issues with the oil pressure relief valve, but wouldn't have thought it would cause an issue on one from new.

Does that sound about right Yomp ?

you shouldnt need to prime the pump unless its been left without oil for a while, did you remember to fill the filter up with ouil before you fitted it as that would mean you would have to crank it over a bit more to fill it.

as i said on facebook if you pop the dizzy out and make up something to drive the oil pump slot drive from a battery drill that can help you prime it up without having to crank it over for ages

Well guys found a genuine pump tonight and dipped in oil turning the shaft it drew oil up very well.So primed it with new oil , pump screwed it in sump on new oil.After a couple of turns purring away and no lights on long may it continue!

Nice one Ivor, well done  

I have had the same problem a couple of times over the 20 years of owning the car, no oil pressure after an oil change light flashing and tappets noisy, both times I took the new oil filter off and poured in some more oil the refitted and the problem stopped, I guess some times there is some sort of air lock? I always use genuine VW filters.