Thanks....interesting.
A little more internet digging got me this
'A typical Melling high-volume FE
oil pump is a gerotor design; a 1/4-inch hex shaft drives it. High-volume pumps typically deliver 20 to 25 percent more
oil volume than common replacement
oil pumps. They’re not always a necessity,
but will raise the oil-pressure reading. Low-idle oil pressure is a common concern with the FE, although it rarely causes any problem with the engine. Melling offers a variety of pumps for the FE, including standard, high-volume, and high-pressure variations.'
from here:
http://diyford.com/ford-fe-engine-oi...mplete-guide/#
Several people have told me they can crank their engine with a breaker bar with the plugs in - that would be almost impossible with my engine, plugs gotta be out for hand cranking. So I am starting to think
tight tolerance engine + 20W50 + high volume pump = v high oil pressure.
Maybe a call to Melling Tech support then....