Cheap fix for HPOP problem?

[dbabenco]

Hello all,
I bought a 2004 F550 6.0L on E-Bay. Started up perfectly.
Since I didn't know much about it other that it was a well maintained fleet truck, I had the oil, oil filter and diff oil changed at a quickie shop, then drove it home 350 miles. Stopped and started just fine about 6-7 times along the way, but I noticed it took about 4-5 seconds for the dummy oil pressure guage to show any pressure (>7.5psi?)
No problems with engine, it ran great.
Since I'm new to diesels, I took it to my local Ford dealer for a close look.
They replaced the new filter with a "patented" Ford oil filter and cap. OK.
The next day, they serviced the brakes, and checked out the computer, no problems.
Then they could not start the engine. In the mean time I started reading about this engine, and thought it might be the HPOP.
The dealer measured the pressure at 350psi, I believe it needs 500 psi to
work the injectors properly.
The dealer now says fork over $480 for a new pump and $1500 labor to get it installed.

My questions for the experts:
Can a low engine oil weight cause enough drop in HPOP pressure to cause this?
Can I replace the quickie oil (a multi-weight synthetic) with say 20-50 or straight 30 w oil and get more pressure to my injectors so I can get this truck home?
Is the pump itself usually the problem or is it o-rings and fittings?

I have rebuilt gas engines before, and I'm sure I can do this job, but I'm not sure I want to, or even have to.

Thanks for your help.

[dannyboy950]

Sorry to say but I do not think oil viscosity can bring you up enough.
That 500psi is closer to 700 to 1200 psi and 350 is way down there.

From the work stand point whether you replace the pump or just check/replace the o-rings, the labor involved will be the same. If it has a lot of miles/hours I would go with changeing the pump and line o-rings since I was allready there.
Before you condem the pump for the no start check your wireing harness going to the FICM, look for chafes around the hold downs and where she makes bends. Aso check that the plugs to the FICM are not loose or backing out/unplugging.

Altho with that low an oil pressure test reading I think your looking in the right direction on an oil problem.

Sorry I don't haave better news

[RescueF250]

I thought the ICP needed to be at 5000psi. Anyways the HPOP on a 6.0 is located at the back of the motor under the turbo.

[dbabenco]

Originally Posted by dannyboy950

Sorry to say but I do not think oil viscosity can bring you up enough.
That 500psi is closer to 700 to 1200 psi and 350 is way down there.
...
Sorry I don't haave better news

Thanks anyway.