Issues with being a quart low on oil?

['90 SSC Clone]

Okay, I'm fairly new to the Diesel world. I haven't had my truck very long.

I'm around 4,000 miles into my 5,000 interval, I checked it today and it was a quart low. No big deal I thought.

I added the quart, and then when I turned on the key to warm the glow plugs I heard what sounds like a pump running. Kinda like priming something up. I don't recall ever hearing that sound before.

And my "Butt-O-Meter" seems to feeling that the truck is acting like it has a little more getty up. That has got to be just my mind playing tricks on me.

I suppose my question is: Do these diesel engines run differently when low on oil?

Thanks

[Dave]

Sometimes these will seem to they use the engine oil to run the injectors

[codman02]

congrats 2 u on the "new 2 u" stroker i know i luv mine, iv changed my oil, and have had to add some from time to time (Fords gonna fix that) but havent ever noticed what youv got going on. but if i could i would suggest going with a synthetic oil, tranny, front and rear gear lube, i swear by the stuff but hey i see youv put on power tell mirrors, how did that go, and what did they cost? thanks for the info!!!!

[MrJohnWayne]

If they are extremly low. Just one quart I don't think it would make a difference.

[gcop]

I have to agree, I was almost 2qts low a couple of oil changes ago, not sure why, but it did not seem to effect anything.

..and congrats on the new rig !

['90 SSC Clone]

Okay thanks fellows, must be my crazy imagination!

[djsdiesel]

The pump you heard running is the vacuum pump, it is on the passenger side inner fender well. 1 quart low you shouldn't notice a difference. 3-4 quarts low yes it will make a difference.