was priming my engine with a handheld electric drill with the rocker arms off and only the lifters on the driver's side were getting oil. I installed the rocker arms on the driver's side thinking maybe they would make some back pressure but still not a drop came out of any of the passenger side ports for the lifters. this is my first sbc build so sorry if I sound naive in any way. Do I just need a bigger drill or might there be something blocking the oil flow to the passenger side. Thanks!

 

Really common... Rotate the engine by hand using a crank socket, damper bolt, breaker bar, or by grabbing belt..

Turn engine a few times... Then reprime oil... It will take about 6-10 min of running the drill to get full oil pressure to both sides. I have burnt many of cheap drills up doing this over the years. I now use a corded 1/2" high torque hammer drill with option switch for smooth non hammer drilling

 

Night's correct, it does take a while. Only thing, does your priming tool have a oil groove piece near the bottom. Otherwise the oil can't cross over the banks they way chevy intended.

 

No my priming tool does not have that. I feel so silly having missed that.. Off to summit!. Thanks!