1989 e150 w/302 losing oil pressure and engine noise
 

I just bought a 1989 Econoline 150 Waldoch conversion van with 94000 on it. It has the 302 in it as well as the OD tranny. I bought it with the intention of pulling our camper with it because it was in amazing shape. Well I took it on a test run to pick up my wife from the airport 135 miles from where I live. Made it there fine, but on the way back after driving for about an hour I started hearing lifter noise and realized it never shifted into overdrive (which still shouldn't be a problem) and then seen that the oil pressure was dropping. I pulled it off of the interstate and it died on the off-ramp. Pulled the dipstick and smoke rolled out of the dipstick holder, making me feel like a dipstick. The oil looked very clear but not milky, more like it had just brokedown. And then a little coolant rolled out of the overflow, even though the temp gauge never showed it was hot. I waited 10 minutes, started it up and it had slight knock to it, drove it into the nearest parking lot and shut it off. Went to pick it up the next day and trailer it back, it started right up, didn't sound nearly as bad. So now I got it home and was wonder what are the chances just the oil pump gave it up, I know I am going to have to drop the pan and make sure it didn't spin a connecting rod bearing. Anyway I just wanted anybody's thoughts on what I need to look for as far as the oil pump goes. Or if anyone else has experienced any of this. Not afraid of wrenching just want to make the best decision's I can with a limited cash supply!! Thanks for any help any of you can give me.

-Dave :confused:

Hi Dave,
You may need to pull the pan to confirm if there is any damage due to lack of oil.
I seem to remember there was a problem with the hex shaft that drove the oil pump.
The gear on the camshaft drives the dist gear and the hex shaft fit into the bottom of the dist shaft and drove the oil pump.
When you drop the pan and oil pump that may be the cause of the problem..
Let us know what you find.

Thanks for the input!! Will keep eveyone updated!! Any other suggestions are appreciated!