Sorry, I have had some major issues with notebook computer I usually use at home.  Most recently with the mouse freezing, so, I had to use three post that should have been one.

I have NOT had the engine apart.  It has about 45 hours on it since I performed the latest rebuild using mostly new parts (rotor & end housings, rebuild kit...old rotors and e-shaft).  It had been running damn good, good enough that I thought I was really close to the DAR sign off and first flight attempt.  The RPM indicator drop was a residual issue with the EM2 I was working on trying to tie up loose ends.

As I mentioned, I would have not had noticed an issue just listening and watching the engine, but while I was trying (unsuccessfully) to solve my RPM drop reading problem I noted the OP flashing and the low pressure reading.

I am getting some oil coming out of the front of the engine and into the remote oil filter which is located between the engine outlet and the coolers, however, I have apparently not had enough pressure to move oil out of the filter.  I replaced the filter and the same thing occurred.  Perhaps I have not cranked the engine long enough to move it through the filter as it was getting dark and I had not yet moved the spark plugs and was concerned about damaging the internals and PSRU.

Even though I am getting flow out of the engine when cranking with the plugs installed, I do not know how much flow it is....it is steady, but does not seem all that strong, but of course, the engine is only cranking and not running.  Also, since I had no oil flow, I was concerned about cranking it without oil getting to the engine and PSRU.  I hope to get out to the hangar later today and continue my checks with the plugs removed.  I am not too hopeful though, it seems as if it must be an internal issue, especially since the mechanical gauges I hooked up also showed low/no pressure.

I agree, I do not wish to tear down the engine, as I have a lot installed on top of it, plus the PITA of opening the dang thing up.  However, I have gotten pretty good and uninstalling and reinstalling...(of course, apparently not good enough to not have a problem).  The process has gotten much faster as I have become more methodical.

Dave mentioned some of the issues we know about with keys and retaining clips.  While something like that could certainly be the problem, I am certain I addressed these very items, even though possibly not well enough.  If you would have asked, I would have thought it was good, but now the evidence will tell.

I have removed most the hoses to check for obstructions and have yet to find any.  Again, the oil is coming out of the front of the engine in a stream but low pressure with simple starter cranking, but as of yet has not made it past the filter, which is the first "event" in the chain.

Do we know of a way to determine how much oil should be flowing with simple cranking...such as "x" amount into a jar in "y" time cranking?  Yeah, grasping at straws...but I am trying to get use to the idea of pulling the engine.

Heavy sigh.

Thanks,

Chris