I'm saying the op goes to middle of the dial on start up but does go a (small) bit higher after 30-60 seconds where it remains. My response was that the original poster might be hearing hydraulic lifters on start up and thinking he has a problem when there isnt one.
btw, what's scary is that...
does the engine have hydraulic lifters?
my '93 gm 3.8 does and its a bit noisy on startup, making a tapping sound that varies with rpm's. Once oil pressure is up above 45-50 on the gauge the noise gradually abates. After less than 60 seconds it is gone and the engine just purrrrs!
Using a combo...