OK I'm ready to put the pan back on but I got a bug in my head I found no real smoking gun?! The oil pump had alot of wear but for 187 k looked normal! My question is the oil pump drive rod I was unable to get it out I pulled down with vise grips didn't budge So I twisted it and it felt good and the end that goes in the oil pump looked good! Is this rod supposed to come out from the bottom? I couldn't find any info! Any help out there before I put the pan back on and pray that rod isn't my wmd?!! :help:

dangerous, -I'd fire it and watch that gauge. If the gauge doesn't come up within 6-7 seconds, -shut it down.

Contrary to what many believe, engines will run quite a while without oil pressure, -you just don't want to do it for any length of time on an engine you plan on keeping!

Was hoping to not take it apart again but I guess I gotta gamble I'm just gonna put the motormounts back together and try Since I found no obvious cause for the sieze I wonder if he let it bleed to death through the bad oil cooler lines? Which by the way are impossible to find in town!

Was hoping to not take it apart again but I guess I gotta gamble I'm just gonna put the motormounts back together and try Since I found no obvious cause for the sieze I wonder if he let it bleed to death through the bad oil cooler lines? Which by the way are impossible to find in town!

Well, I'll tell ya, -I'd sure be checkin' for leaks, -not a bad idea.

As for the cooler lines, I just installed a set of dorman lines. If you need some help finding them, let me know. They were reasonably priced.

Light that thing up and see what happens.

I think you need to change your name to dangerous6.5!! :ro)

OK It started yahooooo No oil pressure What the %#@&*!!! OK I said I couldn't get the oil rod out now I know there is something wrong at the top of the oil rod I think it is gear driven any help out there what is wrong here!! >? Has anybody heard of this ?? And the big question can I get to the top of the oil pump drive rod? From the top of the engine?? HELP ME!!!!

Dangerous, -check your PM's.

Well its midnight and no replies? Hmmm Ok heres the info the oil pump is driven by the oil pump driver that sits in the valley under the fuel filter " back of engine remove the hold down and pull out the driver the rod may come out with it or not! Mine did because it was stuck! Turns out the driver and rod will wear out before the oil pump! Found my WMD!! Ordered the parts from chevy wow 175 bucks but hey good for another 200 k would make it worth it! Parts will be here monday. The truck ran for about 20 seconds with no oill pressure sounded great! Didn't want to push my luck! Will keep you posted I think everyone with a 6.5 over 180,000 should pull this part and examine will save you alot of money! Easy to get to and such a critical part! Hope I saved at least somebody and remember if you lose oil pressure shut it down like right now! Easy fix or buy a new engine your choice!
Later Andy

Dangerous, this is valuable info.

As it turns out, I have an oil leak right at the rear of the valley that is making an awful mess. It's not the OPS plumbing either, -I just fixed all that when I replaced the OPS, and it's dry as a bone on that side of the motor.

I think where that shaft plugs in ot the back of the motor may be my source of oil leakage. After hearing what you went through, you can bet I'm going to inspect/replace that shaft while I'm back there fixing that leak.

I sure hope you found the origin of your problem.

Rich.