Mike,
You didn't say, did you actually start the engine, or were you looking for oil pressure from cranking it over with the starter? I would think these engines might have a hard time drawing up any significant oil pressure at cranking speed. I have never tried actually looking for at the sender, but I dont remember seeing oil pressure before mine started.

A few things to check, perhaps obvious, but might be worth trying.

1. Gasket? between oil pump and timing cover. I know, obvious, but just in case.
2. You are right, the oil pump will only go on one way.
3. Timing chain tensioner, is it loose? It does have an oil supply to it.
4. is there a blockage, part of an old gasket, etc. lodged in the adapter block between the oil filter and the engine block?
5. Maybe try removing the filter adapter and use compressed air to try to blow backwards through the system to dislodged any blockage. (BE SURE NOT TO GO CRAZY WITH THE AIR PRESSURE>maybe 20-30psi>DON'T WANT TO RISK DAMAGE TO BYPASS VALVE< ETC.)

Feel free to email me offline at [email protected]

While I"m not a mechanic, I have had my 240 apart several times (unfortunately!!) and I do have two complete engines here for reference.

Jim

[This message has been edited by ITA240 (edited August 15, 2002).]