Just changed oil cooler, need urgent advice

[ParsedOut]

As the title says, I just replaced the oil cooler and figured while I was down there I'd change the engine oil... In hindsight that probably wasn't the wisest decision because now when I start it up the entire system will be dry.

Any tips to ensure I don't run the engine dry for too long? Pull the fuel pump relay and crank it for a few 10 second intervals (not to overheat the starter)?

[Myster-E]

Just fire it up. It doesn't matter if the oil cooler is dry. The engine will still be lubricated and will quickly fill up the oil cooler.

[Wanganstyle]

if you are really paranoid and anal retentive just put car in neutral; remove the clutch fan and turn the engine over by hand with a rachet + crankshaft front bolt.

this is the old school way to prime oil pressure of engines sitting for a long time - by hand :)

[Kvasi]

Cant really see the problem. This is what happens everytime everybody changes oil on their cars, u drain it - fill it up and starts.

Either way u turn the engine, it turns with no oil pressure at first.

[Spaz!]

I usually use the code lock on the OBC and crank it till the horn sounds. Its always a good idea to prime the system but it realy isnt critical on an N/A engine. The older oil cooled turbos had to be primed or you could destroy the turbocharger though. I used to pull the coil lead off and crank it but since I have the code lock on this car its just easier.

[BergerNJ]

just out of curiosity what prompted you to change out the oil cooler? was it clogged or something?...just want to learn for future use