Oil pump question for the mechanics

[fableluke]

Originally Posted by KillerBMotorsport

What is the mileage on that pump assembly? Looks to be some decent scoring. How do the rotor faces (teeth) look?

The bypass should move smoothly. Not somewhat smoothly, it should be smooth. It should also come right out. Is the plunger bore scored? Plunger itself have any wear?

Not uncommon, if a plunger sticks, it happens when cold and pressure is highest. as the oil warms, the plunger stays open and pressure will tank. 5psi at idle is LOW. What location were you measuring pressure at?

I would cut apart the oil filter just as a precaution in case there is more going on here.

Front timing cover itself is pretty new. ~ 3K-4k miles. The teeth have some light scoring. Measuring at the stock oil dummy light location. Plunger didn’t just fall out easily. It was stuck until i used another tool to push it out, now i have to hit the housing to make it fall out. Plunger has light scoring.

[KillerBMotorsport]

The pump gears don't look good, but I still suspect the plunger is the culprit here. If there's wear, it will have a light polish, no scratches, and should slide right out.

With that low of a mileage on it, assuming it was all done on the same oil filter? That should tell the rest of the story. This engine definitely saw cold start debris going through it.