Heavy leaking around oil pump

Hello all. Stock 400 Block on a 78 Newport here, never been apart. We've been driving quite a bit this year and mostly in 60-80 mph range. Recently I noticed quite a bit of leaking around the oil filter/pump area. So I plan first try to tighten the bolts and if that does not help, to remove the pump, replace the gasket and O-rings (or just swap the pump assy altogether). Questions are:
Mopar shop manual in Oil Pump Replacement procedure only says this: (2) Prime Oil pump before installation...

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