97 Rodeo V6 - Oil pressure drops to zero

[burnsvl]

Thanks for all the great info on here. Recently purchased a 97 Rodeo LS 4x4 V6 at an auction. 100k miles w/ a very loud engine noise. After reading all the posts, I'm pretty sure the noise is the hyd valve adjusters (will be checking soon). However, also noticed when engine is warm and revved up, the oil light comes on, and the pressure guage drops to zero. Pressure will return to normal when it idles back down. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[amigo-2k]

the low oil pressure could be due to a dirty oil pick up in the oil pan. Dropping the oil pan and cleaning it is one option, or add a 1/2 can of sea foam and later change oil when it is good and hot.

[tomlcollins]

DEFINITELY drop the pan, and if the parts aren't too expensive (oil pump and pickup) I would recommend replacing them rather than cleaning them. Sea Foam does work wonders, but I wouldn't trust it with something this important.....Also, I wouldn't drive very much before you remedy this problem.

[burnsvl]

Well, finally got around to changing the hydraulic lash adjusters that I got from Aluminum Head Rebuilders, and the noise hasn't changed a bit. Still very, very loud. I noticed when I changed them, that there was still some clearance after I reinstalled them, but thought it might just need some oil pressure. The adjusters are very slightly different from the old ones, but visually seemed the same length, and fit just fine. Any chance they sent me the wrong ones for my 97 3.2 v6? Anything else I should look at? Kind of at a loss at this point. Any help would be appreciated.

BTW: that seafoam really works. After pulling the valve cover back off today, it is much cleaner under the cover, and I probably only ran the motor for about 5 mins.

Thanks again for all the help.