[DeTomaso] Oil Pressure Problems

[Orville Burg, II]

My Pantera has a problem, No oil pressure. 

Oil pressure has been running in normal 50-75 pound range until it
immediately dropped to zero. I replaced the oil pressure pickup with a
mechanical gauge to eliminate an electrical possibility, still zero. Today,
Gray and I dropped the pan and found the oil pump and drive shaft in good
condition. The only other symptom is a noisy lifter. The car has been run
for less than 10 second periods for diagnostic purposes and it starts and
runs fine.

I am not sure but believe the lifters might be Crane Anti Pump up type. We
have not pulled the distributor to inspect the gear where the drive shaft
attaches. Could a collapsed lifter cause a no oil pressure indication?

Any suggestions as where to proceed would be appreciated.

 

Orville #9469