Short intro: Started noticing gradual loss in
oil pressure. Wasn't getting better and more noticable when warm. Dropped the pan and have started to inspect the crank bearings. Looks like minimal wear (a little copper showing so far...no debris in pan), but am planning to change all bearings. Will also inspect and R&R any rod bearings that exhibit similar wear.
All this assumes the crank looks good (which, again, so far it is!).
Motor is stroked 351W (392CI) from RDI, 10,000 miles, built in year 2000.
Given the declining
oil pressure condition, and the fact that I'm "in there" (i.e. dropped pan and all the mess that goes with that), and inspecting/replacing bearings and replacing those that look suspect,
should I ignore the oil pump or replace with a new one?
It's a Melling adjustable unit (PN10832) and I'm told that oil pumps either work really well or not at all. The replacement cost is around $75 (about as much as I'll have in all the bearings...LOL!). Trying to put a price on peace of mind and the odds that the pump is part of the problem.
Thanks for the opinions.
-Dean