I have a 96 3.8 camaro, starts fine runs alright for about 15 minutes then loses oil pressure and the engine starts tapping.What are the possibilities?

 

How many miles on it? How long has it been doing it. Did the problem start all at once or has the oil pressure been low for awhile? Any over heating? Any over reving?

 

It has about 125000 miles, hasn't been doin it long parked it cause I didn't want to ruin the engine. Yes pretty much started just happening, no overheating or revving just starts tapping loudly.

 

Have you tried a heavier oil like 20w50? There are only a few things that will cause low oil pressure.

Plugged filter with a byass not working correctly.
A pluged pickup tube. (sludge in the motor)
Oil not returning to the oil pan (sludge in the motor)
Broken or stuck oil pressure regulator
Failing oil pump
To much bearing clearance in the motor. This could be anyone , Mains, Rods, Cam or all.

 

Nope never tried heavy oil was always told to use the correct weight oil, but if you think it's worth a try I'm up for it. I will explore your other ideas but not looking forward to a possible engine rebuild or replace though. Thank you very much.