I bought another 04' D2. This one was sold to me non-running and "probably needed a new engine" according to the PO. He was having head gasket and block issues, so elected for a total rebuild. New top-hat liners from Turner, mild performance cam, bearings, head rebuild etc. Unfortunately for him, it never ran right after he got it back together and gave up on the project.

When I purchased the rover, I noticed it was running terribly and the oil pressure light occasionally flickered at idle. Eventually I tore down the cover and noticed the timing was off 2 teeth on the crank gear. 2 teeth/ 20 teeth on the sprocket equals 36 degrees out of time! The PO drove about 1K miles like this before parking it! I have no idea how it ran, but that explains the rough idle and sluggish performance. I replaced the oil pump while I had the cover off as well. Not cracked but mildly scored. Front cover looked good. Couldn't see any walked cam bearings from the underside.

Flash forward - I have the truck back together and it runs great (aftermarket cam is glorious) but I hear a tick/knock and now the oil pressure light is on consistently hot idle. I suspected rod bearing wear, so I dropped the sump again to check them; all reported very mild wear and no visible brass. I am at a crossroads now, trying to think of all the possibilities.

Sources of low oil pressure:
- Cracked/Scored oil pump (Replaced)
- Rod bearings (Checked - very mild wear)
- Main bearings (not checked)
- Camshaft bearings (Confirmed none have walked, but thats it. PO fitted an aftermarket H180 camshaft during rebuild & reported new bearings.)
- improperly installed front cover gasket (will check again)
- Oil relief & bypass valves? (will check)

If you all could add to this list that would be helpful! What can I check for in the valve-train that could also cause low oil pressure?

 

Oil weight too low (could add a bottle of thick additive e.g. STP or Lucas), or oil pressure switch setting too high (try a different switch). Best to check the actual oil pressure.

 

Agreed, check the oil pressure. Report back cold, hot, idle, and running. Make sure the rocker shafts are positioned correctly, if he flipped those over it will not build oil pressure. Make sure the rocker towers are tightened correctly.