My jag has sat unstarted for about 3 years or so. I just changed the oil on it in preparation to start it. One of my friends mentioned I may need to prime the oil pump to avoid damage to the shafts and whatever else since it’s been sitting. Is this necessary? If so, how do I go about doing that?

 

Your neighbor is obv. a Chevy man. Those could be primed but the best you can do is remove your spark plugs which will reduce stress and turn your engine over until you have pressure registered. XK engines and the V12 (not sure what you have) are very robust and it is doubtful any damage would be done if you do not prime. Assumption is the oil level is correct and filter is sealed. Good luck!

 

Above quite right of course, but I wouldn't bother removing the plugs providing the battery is good. Disconnect the HT lead and turn the engine over for about 10 seconds and you will see some pressure start to show.

 

I agree with Coventry Foundation remove spark plugs is best, and turn engine over on the starter motor until you see oil pressure rising on your gauge in the car, less stress on battery and engine. Make sure your battery is well charged first.

 

Pull the plugs and then crank it. Less chance of a dry bearing with lower forces on the crank/rods.
cheers,
Bob S
Jag of Michigan

 

In case anyone was curious, I pulled the plugs, cranked until I had oil pressure (which also means I got the oil filter sealed correctly, a feat I wasn’t positive I had accomplished) and it seemed to work just fine. Got the car started up not long afterwords so this advice seemed to work just fine! Thanks!