BCN

With little to no warning when cold, oil light on and very little oil pressure (<1) for 30-45 seconds. No horrible noise, but sounds rough.

First instance I let it go, got full bar and once warmed up seemed fine. Started up again 1 hour later, (oil still warm) a little rough but 2.5 oil pressure.

Next cold start, oil light on, no pressure, shut off.

OPR, Pick up tube, bearings? Did not check crank bolt yet.

85, 180K

Fara

When was your last oil change and what oil did you use?

I'd start with pulling apart the oil filter to see what sort of particulate matter you have in there before proceeding any further.

p.s. Od is going to appear in this thread soon to tell you to swap to a LS. Don't be surprised.

BCN

20/50, less than 3K ago.

Filter changed no metal to be seen.

gtroth

Check your crank bolt.

BCN

Crank Bolt is tight, tow to mechanic tomorrow.

BCN

Decided to check oil cooler myself, everything looks normal and reinstalled, no change. Thinking it may be a cracked pick up tube, any way to test w/o dropping pan?

OPRV checked as well.

kev951

what oil filter are you using?

Spitfire39

I had a similar problem/condition with my 1985 Porsche 944 (106 k miles). At start-up the oil light would stay on for about 20 seconds and the pressure would be low. After 20 seconds the oil light would go off and pressure would come up. Here's what worked for me. I drained the oil and removed the filter. Next I put my finger in the oil drain plug hole and felt sludge in the bottom of the oil pan. Here's how I removed the sludge. I went to Harbor Freight and found a pnumatic brake bleeding kit (attaches to air compressor line). I attached a ridged hose to the suction nipple of the pick-up canister and poked it back and forth and all around the inside bottom of the oil pan. I was able remove sludge thus cleaning the bottom of the oil pan. I don't think that I got it all but it did the trick. Now on start up (cold or worm) the oil light goes off after about 3 ceconds and the pressure comes up immediately. I will do this each time I change my oil (Mobil 1 synthetic). The sludge build-up was probably caused from the fact that I don't drive this car enough and don't change the oil based on how long it's been in the car. I probably need to change it more often. Maybe this is your problem too?

Good Luck,
Mike

BCN

Mike:

Thanks for that information, I am going to drain the oil very soon again and will check the bottom of the pan too.

Mahle Filer has been used since new.