Wait to see if they rev'ed the pump again. It's cold and most of these failures seem heat related, with the exception of our australian friend Mcv4 who thinks constant high RPM killed his second one. He could have a point though they're running the pump at 2/3 engine rpm. It would take pretty high pressure to unseat the one on the engine side (unless the assembler over sealed the pump and got silicone in the bleed hole). Then if the pressure was high enough it could unseat both. Once they start to leak they're done. Sounds like you're an old Ducati guy so one of those but pretty dumb Ducati. Personally, I feel way better when I'm the one who has assembled their motors.
The early oil pumps seem to have a delivery issue when the bottom end loosens up enough. The one I have on the bench had runout on the center main (bent) of about .001 inch. This loosened all the mains up and then eventually (14K miles) it spun the #3 rod bearing (and didn't ventilate the case miraculously). But even the center main wasn't all the way into the copper even on the bottom half of the shell. All the other rod clearances were still tight. So, I'm wondering if this will be an issue with the early models with normal high mileage wear. They've rev'ed the oil pump like four times and then as part of their 2025 Pani press announcement mentioned they went to the R pump on all Pani's for 25. I'd put a real pressure gauge on it and take a hot idle oil pressure (I think at fan turn on to be consistent) as a reference, then check it once in awhile. Other than that these are really nice designs. They've changed the valve train metallurgy, which looks like they found a solution to any rocker issues, but the startling thing is the valve train dynamics. They're making 215 HP at 13,500 with a 242 degree intake lobe. If you've been doing your own valve train shimming when you pull the cams look at the closing flank. And the cylinder heads port wise are gorgeous. Nice motors, if they were assembled right, you should be able to mercilessly flog them with no issues.
It fascinates me how much some of you know about these things. I learn by disassembly. I have to dissect and take apart in order to understand how something works. Ive wanted to buy an engine that is blown up for the sake of having a spare, but also to better understand the inner workings. My first bike as an adult was a 916, which i wrecked in Memphis going well over 130 or so and i walked away aside from being taken to jail. I always heard they werent supposed to chase you, but they also conveniently lost the video of the pursuit because they caused me to wreck and they would have been in deep ..... Anyway, I quit riding for almost 20 years and a few years ago i started riding again because i needed a distraction from my divorce. Buying some bikes was a good way to dump some cash and get them paid for before it was over. Best things we ever bought me, lol. I bought an 06 999s bipost that i found in a barn with a few thousand miles on it. Ive torn that one down and put it back together, and did the same with my 1199s. The difference in the two was staggering. The v4 is just another step in the progression but i do have a full time job in the company that i own, and it has nothing to do with motorcycles. However, tools look like tools on a P and L spreadsheet- one would have to really look at when a 12 point 55 mm socket, lathe, mill, welders, torches, etc., would be needed for doing irrigation or plumbing work but what can i say.
I just ordered a new pump, and yes its been revised 6 times according to Ducati Omaha. I would wait for the latest edition, but i really need to deal with it for another reason....
I dumped the oil in it earlier and there was a little bit of water in it. I need to get the pump replaced and fresh fluids in it so that i can see what kind of shape im in. It looks like a little more than condensation imho, and im not trying to sell myself on the idea that its nothing to worry about. I would think that if it were condensation, i would have seen it present in the site glass prior and i didnt. It doesnt look like a ton of water, the oil is black but doesnt have much of an odor, and there isnt any debris on the magnet. We are probably talking like 1cc of water if i had to guess. Call me old fashioned, but im a guy that believes that certain things dont belong in oil regardless of how much or how little. What might your thoughts be on that bit of information?
The reason im not completely beside myself, and i expected to find some little things wrong once i peeled the layers back, is because I gave the gentleman 10k in cash and I only owe him the full balance if things like this were not an issue and i have the right to void or nullify the arrangement altogether. He and i will be settling on the final amount owed once i subtract some things like a new water pump, fluids, oil, etc. In my getting to know him, he has also presented himself as a decent man and my experience thus far has supported that. At the end of the day, i just want to get this thing in good running order and have some fun. Maybe i should have bought a new one, but id want a new "R" if i financed something and id hate to possibly lay it down at a track and then have a beautifully built and wrecked italian racebike sitting in my garage that is costing me monthly.
I really appreciate your help and knowledge. Genuinely. Everyone's time is of value and i thank you for giving me some of it. God Bless you Sir.
