This question is premature as I have yet to check the pick-up screen. I will also replace oil pump. I have about 30PSI at idle.
I bought a used 250 motor. It does not smoke at all.
It has tapping so I took the valve cover off. No oil coming up the pushrods. It is cold here but I am guessing that 5 minutes of idle is enough time to allow oil to rockers.
My buddy suggests replacing the lifters as the oil holes are probably gunked up.
Only costs about $60 bucks but still, I believe I should be able to run a small wire though each lifter to clean the oil passages. Will new lifters add any "PEP" to the motor as he says?
Besides oil pump, screen, lifters, and clearing the pushrods, is there anything else to check. There is alot of "crud" in rocker area. This will be yet another question I am going to post. Thanks for reading and any advise.
