Reply to "Howards Camshafts (Summit)"

I'm sorry you are having problems with the engine.

Tappet noise, noise in the valve train, etc. is usually the result of insufficient valve guide clearance. Other valve train noise can be caused by a faulty tappet having an excessive bleed-down rate, or a tappet that has come apart (the tappet internals have popped-out).

However, if the tapping you hear is not coming from the valve train, its usually a spun rod bearing. A spun rod bearing may contribute to low oil pressure as well.

On the subject of oil pressure, there is normally plenty of oil pressure with tappet bore bushings. Its hard to guess why it may be low, if its not related to a spun bearing. Since the pump has a "built-in" relief valve it is as likely a culprit as anything else. I always recommend disassembly of new pumps, cleaning them and inspecting them before installing them. Finding metal chips is common. A metal chip lodged into the relief valve, holding it partially open, is another possible cause of low oil pressure.