My local shops want $100+ just to check the oil pressure manually.... Luckily a good friend of mine has a manual oil gauge is coming over this weekend to help me out.

I'll keep you guys posted on the results... I praying for a bad sensor or oil pump!

Thanks again for all the great advice!!

 

Looks like I'll be getting a new motor after all!!

The top end is not getting much oil at all and the pressure is between 4-8psi at idle and never gets above 30psi thru 3000rpm... still little to no oil flow in the top end at 3000rpm. I would assume we would be able to see oil splashing around inside the valve cover if it was getting adequate pressure.

We decided to cut apart the old oil filter and discovered some larger metal filings and my buddy feels pretty confident that it's from the bearings & not from the oil pump.

Time to look for a replacement engine!!
Post links if you have any suggestions on where to get one for a decent price!

Thanks again everyone!!

 

have you checked out the post about looking for a newer motor at morad?

http://www.moradpartscompany.com/

 

If I'm looking at $1200+ for a used engine, I may as well get a new/re-manufactured engine. You never really know what you're getting with a used engine that has 80k+ on it.. most of the used engines I've found so far are running right about that price range and mileage.

Looks like i"ll need to do some scouting around!