Yes, that gasket is critical to be the right thickness.  The Bentley
mentions it and gives the size.  It also helps to fill the oil filter full
of oil before installing it.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "David Beierl" <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2011 2:10 PM
Subject: Re: Any tricks for priming oil pump?

> At 04:48 PM 7/9/2011, Ken Lewis wrote:
>>Finally installed this engine that I rebuilt several years ago. I have
>>been
>>unsuccessful in obtaining any oil pressure. Any thoughts?
>>TIA,
>
> Something is wrong.  It's a gear pump, shouldn't have any priming
> troubles.  This may sound silly, but make sure both gears are
> installed.  Also check end clearance.  Bentley 17.9 shows a wear
> limit of .004".  Gasket too thick?  I'm not sure there is a gasket
> there but if so it's probably only one or two thou thick.
>
> Yours,
> David
>