Just did head gaskets, rings and valves on my mini. Eventually got it running and ran great until I got an oil pressure light after about a half hour to an hour of running. Hooked a mechanical oil gauge up and got zero oil pressure. Took the pan off and removed the oil pump. I tested the pump by turning it with a drill and had a lot of oil pumping and when i put my finger over the outlet it had pretty good pressure. Put it together with a new oil filter and I'm not even getting oil to the filter. Not sure what the problem is and would love some advice.

 

I forgot to add its a 2007 r56 base.

 

get it scanned by a mini dealer, sounds like it could possibly be a oil pump solenoid

 

From my research I only see the oil pump solenoid for 2011+. If at all possible I'd like to stay away from the mini dealer.

 

Sorry didn't see the 2nd post, give another look around see if you have an oil leak anywhere

 

Do you actually need the drill you should be able to pump oil by turning the pump slowly by hand. I hate to say clog but its better than a bearing leaking that badly. Are the pumps the same as the N14 I have an old one that may be OK but if the pump is that bad. Oil housing return valve. Hmmm the pump seal to the block. really zero? Vanos solenoid or return valve did you take the return valve out when doing head work its below the solenoid I almost forgot about it.