Oil pressure drops

[bru333]

I've got a 3.1L in a '93 Trans Sport. If the oil level is half way down the cross hatch area on the dipstick and I turn left the oil pressure drops to 0 (zero). It doesn't do this when the oil is at the full mark. I've never had or heard of any vehicle doing this. The pressure really is dropping, because if the pressure is down long enough the valves start tapping. What is going on?

[DEI37]

Possibly a clogged pickup screen? Weak oil pump? What is the pressure under normal circumstances?

[TheProfessor]

m retta used to act wierd when i turned most of the time it ment i needed more oil
or it needed to be changed really bad and was losing viscosity

[bru333]

What is the pressure under normal circumstances?

The pressure stays right around the fourth line. (No numbers on the gauge) A little over when cold and a little below when warm.

most of the time it ment i needed more oil
or it needed to be changed really bad and was losing viscosity

It doesn't fluctuate at all under straight line driving, slowing, accelerating and turning right. It doesn't matter if the oil is new or old. If its a little low (like 1/2 a quart) it will drop to zero when turning left.
Could the pickup screen tube be loose? But why does it do this only when turning left?

[geoffinbc]

I wonder if you have a hole in the pickup? When you turn left the oil sloshes to one side un covering the hole.

Could be a possibility. I suggest you drop the pan.