Oops, yeah I know, I meant to say a thicker cold viscosity isn't a solution.

 

Oil pressure confirmed 10 psi at idle (~650) and 40+ psi above 1k

 

You should be fine. Above 1000 rpm is the important number and you look ok. Just monitor it for any changes.

 

Will do. At this point I'm thinking oil pump is on it's way out?

 

Possibly but highly unlikely. More likely is cam bearings year 2000 had an issue with cam bearings. Check date code on passenger side of block right below #2&3 sparkplugs....1st digits is year, 2nd & 3rd digits are the month e.g 011 would=November 2000
A suspect a cam bearing in mine is causing my low pressure of 4psi. A worn or missing cam bearing will not make any noise but will drastically affect oil pressure.

 

I have an '01, and was getting near 0 readings at idle after the engine came up to operating temp. (idiot light came on!) I had the typical leaking valve cover gasket, so I decided to replaced it. Once I pulled the cover off, the PO must have thought maintenance involved adding oil when low. It has 137K miles on it, and I have never seen so much cooked oil and carbon on any head. It took about 2 1/2 hours to pick, scrape, vac, and blow all of the debris out and off the head. After looking, I could see a real issue with the oil not draining back down the push rod holes. The valve cover must have been holding 1 to 1 1/2 quarts of oil just to be able to clear all of the carbon to drain back. I ran some engine flush thru the system, changed the oil and filter, and my pressure is back between 40 and 60 psi. It also stopped the top end ticking noises!


If you have the same issue, just a heads up... That is one long motor, and nothing comfortable to lay across to reach the back of the head!

 

Wow that's awesome because my valve cover leaks too. Now I've got motivation to replace the gasket!