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Ok, I guess that's a relief. Thanks for verifying the pieces. That same photo album has pics of the hole in the pickup tube. Obviously, this is not an ideal condition. I guess I need a new pickup tube or the sieve. Any thoughts? I'm still trying to track down my issue. Now that I've eliminated a clogged pickup tube, I guess it's on to the oil pump? There's plenty of space now to pull that thing. Looking for some feedback.

Can anyone tell me what these things are? http://s1038.photobucket.com/user/felix9871/media/AUTO/parts1_zpsrfn2gvtw.jpg.html?filters[user]=144907480&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=1

Trying to figure out how to post pics!

Got an update on the oil pickup tube saga. Pulled the oil pan and inspected the pan and tube. No sludge in pan, the pickup tube mesh sieve had a small hole on the bottom. There was also a small wing-nut bolt in the pan. I have no idea what that is. Someone know what that thing is for? So, I'm thinking something got by the metal sieve and jacked up the oil pump. That's the only thing it could be at this point. Anyone?

Just for kicks, I also pulled the coil and fuel pump fuse and gave her a few 10 sec starts - hoping that if things were slightly flowing, it might drop my oil level. NADA

Silverton nailed it. Drained the oil, inspected the oil filter, checked the Oil Pressure Switch. Bought a cheap fram filter and oil. Stopped at 3 quarts and checked the dipstick. Totally overfilled. So, I'm pretty sure now that the Pickup tube is clogged.

Started car and pulled out of parking lot. Then the oil pressure light went off and the car lost acceleration and power - I pulled it over (it died once), stopped it, looked under it and popped the hood looking for oil leaks. Nothing. Checked dipstick. FULL and clear. If anything slightly overfilled. Checked electric, wires - cap, rotor, plug wires, battery.... I then started the car to hear the engine noise - surprisingly loud chatter mostly. That's when I looked in the oil fill cap. Should have seen some oil splashing. NOTHING. Let it cool down a bit - drove it about a mile to get home. ----- The oil was freshly changed about a month ago with a Nissan filter.. I'm going to make sure the Oil Pressure Switch is working first, but I don't see the connector harness that's suppose to be attached to it. It's raining like crazy here at the moment. Will probably start with the switch, maybe drain some motor oil, and give it another inspection. Thanks for the input.

Well, thanks for the input everyone. Looking at the manual - that's one helluva procedure to drop the oil pan.

Thanks CN Damn, is that a typical problem? WTF? Did drive it a mile or two slowly - to get it back to my house. I'm hoping I didn't do too much damage. I'll get on that tomorrow and report back.

Thanks for the input. Can someone help me understand what the pickup tube is, where it's located, and how to diagnose/clean it? I don't see that part in the manual. New to Nissan, trying to find a way my way through this..

For anyone interested, I first checked the ECU codes. Although I don't have a CEL. Came back with Code 34 - Knock Sensor. Not clear on what the knock sensor does. I do know it's a PITA to get to. I'll know more once I check the oil pressure at the Oil pressure switch.

Pickup Tube - I guess you're talking about the oil pressure sending unit? All I see attached to the oil pump in the service manual is a Regulator Valve. The FSM also mentions carefully inspecting the Oil Pressure release valve - based on the picture I'm guessing that's at the the oil filter assembly? Anyone care to enlighten me?

Pickup tube? Can't say I know what that is.

My thoughts as well. My first instinct after the loss of power was electrical. The cap and rotor look as new as when I put it in - everything seems good. I'll also be looking at the timing. Appreciate the input.

Recently bought a 1995 Pathy LE VG30E 5-speed 4x4. I’ve searched this forum (and others) for a lot of helpful tips - especially being new to Nissan. Love the spark plug locations. Cars got 180k, I cleaned EGR diverter tube and some faulty vacuum lines to erase the ECU code 32 CEL, switched over to redline MT-90 (overfill through shift assembly), plugs, wires, dist cap, rotor, pcv, fluids.. and has been driving like a champ. I drove the thing across the country w/o a hitch. This morning was revving higher than normal, and in urban traffic the oil light came on and I had no acceleration. When I pulled over I could hear the engine clattering much louder - and opened the oil fill access - and no oil to be seen. Dipstick is full, nice color (as always), have a Nissan oil filter (no Fram collapse), nothing out of the tailpipe (pretty sure it’s not the head gasket) and the former owner did the timing belt and water pump. I’m going to check my oil pressure tomorrow. Gotta start somewhere. Do oil pumps go bad in these things? Seems surprising. Any tips out there. I know I’m kinda-sorta-fskced, but want to make sure I knock out the easy stuff and diagnostics first before getting into major replacement time. Thanks