Something that gets me about this and doesn't seem to fit in with a worn oil pump, or with a wiped out thrust bearing, is the need to keep it revved up quite a bit to keep it running with no load. I don't know where to point a finger, but this smacks of something simple. Broken cam or rocker???

Chris Enos (Chino, CA)

'91 Isuzu Amigo "Rover" (Camaro 3800 swap in progress / 2.25" exhaust)
....(SOA / Custom rear bumper / CB / HAM)