Thats a good thought.. I will check it!!! It has had two different pickup tubes on it, an aftermaket that was apparently screwed up.. and on finding it I thought I had found the problem... The pickup currently in it is a new OEM type that IS welded to the pickup(err.. PUMP) just over an inch from the bottom of the pan.. the pan is a 7 quart flare design standard depth with the "wings" to either side giving it the extra capacity. I had not thought of it running out of oil, and will address that issue to check on it. It runs several minutes fine, enough time to begin warming up... so this is a real possibility... Off to the shop to check on this... Thanks for the idea!!! Keep thinking outside the box! I need the brain power!