Chrysler Repair: Oil Light still comes on at low idle RPM., tappet noise, postal mail

Question
I still here the tappet noise even after flushing the oil (I used Gunk oil flush) and filter two times. I will be jacking the front end up and adding my Jack stands (could I use ramps?). Once I get the Oil pan off, is there a tube to look at for clogged/gummed up oil? Also, should I check the pressure before all this? If the pressure is good, why do I hear the noise? I do have the 3.8L. Is there anything else I will need to check - oil pump wise? Can I see if it is bad or is this something that is tested once it is out?  Thanks for your help, Chris

Answer
Hi Chris,
Ramps should be fine. The oil pick up, that rests just above the bottom of the pan, has a screen that could be clogged up so, yes, check that. I would begin the process by seeing if you have at least 5 psi at idle rpm so you would know what the pressure at that location is showing. It could be that the oil passageway to the lifters is blocked which you might suspect if the pressure was ok. The oil pump is checked with a thickness gauge, once you have the pan off. I can xerox copy and postal mail you the pages which show the system in cross-section and shows how to do the measurements on the pump rotor. The site does not have a capability to post images so the postal mail is the only way to share these with you. So use the "thank and rate" tab to enter your postal address in the comments section, and I'll copy and mail the pages from California in the afternoon mail.
Roland