Steps I've already taken:
I switched to a 51036 Wix filter from a crappy purolater that the p.o. had on it.
I also started running 15w40 Rotella in the motor once I found out that the zinc additive package had gone away from regular old oils and the buick has a flat tappet hydro cam.
This didn't really help matters. It just kept right on.
At this second, I have the oil pump apart and there is some scoring on the filter housing, and the bottom of the gears. The teeth on the gears are worn pretty badly and I'm pretty certain the pump needs a new set of gears.
I have a standard rebuild kit from melling with standard length gears and planned on putting the 60 lb spring in it. But, it sounds like I may need the longer gears instead and the plate.
Hard to say.
The inside of the motor is pretty black and removing the valve covers to check for loose valvetrain showed not too much crud for the mileage, but some buildup.
Think I'll try reassembling and see where that gets me. If I need to pull the cover, I already have the gaskets, but there no way I'm going that far in and not changing the chain and adjuster.
