I removed the oil connection at the block this morning, connected a gauge and ran the engine for 30 seconds - still no pressure. I disconnected the gauge and ran the engine again for 30 seconds - there was a good flow of oil out of the connection - it was a pulsing flow. I connected a 12 inch long hose that hung down to below the oil pan and ran the engine again - good flow but if I put my finger over the end of the hose I could stop the flow but still feel some small pressure pulses. I raised the hose up to the level of the valve cover there was only a small dribble coming out.

Seems like there is some oil flow but almost no pressure - possibly enough oil flow to keep the bearings lubricated so that is why they are not noisy but probably not enough pressure for adequate lubrication if the engine is under load.

My problem now seems to be how to figure out if the low pressure is due to excessive bearing clearance or a faulty oil pump ????