Took the Scamp for a drive and the oil pressure was dropping to zero on the gauge at idle, rpms up it increases but still low. Changed to different headers and wondering if the header too close to the oil filter could create such a drastic change. The Hedmans are a bit closer than the TTI's were to the filter, no other changes except different mufflers. Motor was only running for about 10 minutes max, oil level full and about 85* outside
Thoughts?

First step try a new gage then maybe screw on a new filter so you can cut that one apart and inspect for anything that shouldn’t be there.

You probably didn't run it long enough to get the oil temps up above 220 F so I don't think the oil temps. are a player now

Update, tried new gauge no pressure, took filter off and cranked the motor over nothing from the filter as far as pressure
What to check next?
1. oil drive shaft stripped?
2, drop the pan and new pump?
any way to bench test a pump? Any else you can think of Im all ears
Thanks

Common on chevies but rare on mopars but you may have to drop the pan to check the oil pickup. How did the oil filter look as far as contamination. Good, bad. If bad it has to come apart anyway. If it’s a pump at least they are pretty cheap. If it’s bearings, not so much.

Sounds like you should pull the distributor and try a priming tool and a drill

Filter looked good so I put it back on, pulled distr. and primed with a drill, had to rev drill pretty good but have pressure at gauge and to the rockers. If I remember correctly I have a 10-30 weight oil where I usually run the 20-50 Valvoline race oil (they were out)

can the change in viscosity make that big of a difference?
or possibly oil pump getting weak?

Just curious but what kind of filter. And yes viscosity can affect it but also remember the drill rpm doesn’t duplicate engine rpm. Years ago I ran 40 weight, then 30, then 10-40, now 10-30. With the RacePak I can closely watch what is going on during a pass and in the pits.

I run a Napa Gold and always have, going to put the Valvoline back in and change filter one at a time to see whats up. Thanks for the tips

He already took the filter off the block and cranked it to find no oil coming out of block. What does the filter have to do with anything? Waste of time and money to try a different filter at this point.

Read his post above. He has oil pressure now but it’s not as high

No problem I hope all turns out well for you

Going from 20-50 to 10-30 will make a difference. But not a 30-40 PSI difference. I use a 1/2 drill and 2 hands to spin the pump with authority while priming. If you're spinning the pump easily with a 3/8, something's fishy. Wide open with an 800 RPM 1/2 drill should get 60-70 PSI and running the drill slow maybe 30. If not, I would try another filter for the heck of it before looking deeper.

how much pressure?

went back to original gauge and primed with a 3/8 drill 68 psi,
so something made the gauge drop to zero, the hunt is on.
will let you know what I find

Maybe some tiny bit of debris in the bypass valve in the pump making it stick open when it acted up hot?
I've seen that more than once in BB, they are a lot easier to check also
Good luck, you will find it

If you tried this the first time right after changing the oil sometimes it takes a little longer to pick up pressure

Finally had a chance to get out to the shop (house remodel)
pulled the filter and cut it open, no metal
Drained the oil and going to let it set overnight covered
so I can inspect tomorrow, looked pretty good so far
think I will try another filter and the 20-50 Valvoline
oil I normally run and see what happens. I will update my findings
and thanks for the advice

Sounds like you left a plug out somewhere.

Kink in oil pressure line? While doing the headers? Copper or nylon easy to damage