[TR] Low Oil Pressure and Engine Noises

[Randall]

> Check out the ugliness I
> found inside,
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/42214313@N05/3893953988/

Ugly indeed.  I've never seen that kind of damage to an oil pump, but it
almost looks as though it managed to suck some FOD up from the pan and then
tore itself up trying to pass it.  Was the screen in good condition?

> If everyone agrees this is the cause of my low oil pressure 
> I'll order a new
> pump right away. I really don't want to pull the rob bearings 
> if possible.

Very clearly a contributing factor, including the broken rotor (which heats
the oil in addition to allowing it to leak past the pump).

But IMO it would be foolish not to change the rod bearings; and personally I
would at least inspect the main bearings as well.  There is a lot of metal
missing from those rotors, and I doubt the oil filter caught it all.
Bearing inserts are really cheap compared to repairing the damage if one
fails/spins.  And even if the crank surfaces have some damage/wear, new
inserts will be better than ignoring the problem.

I would also pull the oil pump driveshaft out, and inspect it for damage
(bent tang where it drives the pump).

Sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear, but that's my opinion and
what I would do if it were my car.
Randall