Technician A says that before installing an oil pump, it should be primed with clean engine oil. Technician B says that the pickup screen position should be checked. Who is right?

Priming the oil pump with clean engine oil before installation is crucial because it ensures that the pump is ready to circulate oil immediately upon startup. This action helps to prevent dry starts, which can cause significant wear or damage to engine components. When an oil pump is installed dry, it may take longer to draw oil from the pan, potentially allowing parts to operate without lubrication during that critical initial period.

Additionally, checking the position of the pickup screen is essential to ensure that it is correctly positioned in the oil pan. If the pickup screen is too high, it may not effectively draw oil during operation, leading to cavitation issues where the pump loses prime, resulting in insufficient oil pressure. This can cause severe engine damage over time.

Both actions are important and contribute to the proper functioning and longevity of the engine’s lubrication system. Therefore, both technicians are correct in their statements.