little or no oil in oil filter

Just a few questions...
What kind of engine, filter location, lifters and rockers does it have? And was valve lash set correctly?

the engine is an original stock 315 cleveland with 65,000 miles. it has never been gone into.i am second owner & have had it for app:18 months with no pryor problem. after the filter gets full of oil the lifter noise quits but when it is noisy it is only a few lifters clicking

my mistake it is not a 315 but it is a 351 cleveland

Sounds like you may have one of two (or many things) going on.....

Oil pickup tube is cracked.....or plugged. Timing gear nylon bits are good for this!

Oil pump bypass valve is stuck....

Cam bearing is slipped or plugged blocking passageway to rest of lifters???? This may be a big block thing...or SBF.....can't remember on a 351C for certain....if they have the same issue with #1 bearing.

What is odd, is that you are seeing pressure.....unless you are registering air pressure...... See if you get a good pressure reading out of the rear oil boss at the top rear of the block....

May be worth dropping the pan and inspecting for garbage in the pickup if it has never been opened up. Nylon stock cam gear is well known for shucking parts..... Symptom would be excessive play in crank when moving back and forth 'till chain tension is felt. Should be 6-8 degrees for a bad one.....2-3 degrees for a good one!

Steve