On a 60s-80s Buick if you don't pack it, it will not prime-but those are built into the front cover. Most "regular" oil pumps that are in the pan I just submerge in oil and prime them. Some people do take the pump apart and stuff vasoline or lubriplate in every orifice around the gears. You need something to prime it instantly when it first starts so that the bearings are not run dry.