Common problem with oil pumps on these or just mine
pressure dropped to zero,valves go noisy,stooped engine.oil was full,started engine after a few mins. presure up to normal all is quite.drove about 5 miles or so pressure dropped,and noise again,pulled over for 5 min or so stared engine pressure to normal

drove to house about 5mi. valve noise and some rod knock pressure zero. any clues or advice? thanks Jim

 

Seems like the oil pumps wear out, but it sounds like you need new main/rod bearings and a new oil pump.. Most of the time, when your motor gets warmed new, every thing expands, and then the pressure drops. I'd double check your compression on your cylinder to make sure they are still good, then I'd put new rod&main bearings, and a new oil pump. If you have bad compression, I'd redo the the whole motor.

btw, how many miles do you have on your motor.?

 

Some I6 engines get a layer of sludge built up on the oil pump pickup screen. This will cause the exact symptoms that you are reporting.

I'd drop the oil pan and see if there is a sludge buildup problem as soon as possible. The fix might be easy.

Lou Braun

 

there is at least 218,000miles on it doesn't use oil or smoke compression seems good always had good power,although i haven't put a gage to it.

thanks guys. I was thinking the same things just wanted some other views, oil pump and bearings can be done without pulling engine,but did think about just putting in a rebuilt long block.comment on them if you like
Thanks , Jim

 

At 218000, I'd throw the towel in and get a long block if it was my daily driver. If its your wood hauler or something, I'd throw some bearings in and go.

 

I got the same problem but it has been like that for two years and not a problem yet well not with motor anyway. I would just keep driving and not worry abouy it