ok, i've been worried about low oil pressure for a little while now and decided to open up the bottom end last night. turns out the oil pickup was clogged, which was a relief. however, when i removed the oil filter, there was no oil in it. usually, a little oil spills out but no, nothing here. i was using an oem filter and half of the internal orange flaps had oil and the other half had nothing. the dipstick showed full before it was drained. i'm using the ge conversion kit and was wondering if this had something to do with it? which direction does the oil flow (to or from the head) with the ge adapter/oil line? i pulled the valve cover and the head is getting oil.

everyone is saying i used too much assembly lube since there's still evidence of it within the motor. and i know that assembly lube breaks down oil. is it possible that the oil pump is clogged as well? if so, what is the best way to flush it?

and last question, i was wondering if i could try this to test the oil filter. i plan to reassemble everything but leave the oil filter off to at least see if any oil sprays out of the orifice. is this wise or does anyone have a better idea to find the troublemaker?