UPDATE>>>Reinstalled the oil tank, new oil filter and fresh oil. As mentioned, ice cold engine cranks perfect. Will crank and idle without pulling out choke. Do not even have to step on the accelerator. However, hear is where the fun starts......After about 20 seconds the knock begins. When I remove oil tank cap, I can hear the noise inside the oil tank. When I get close to the engine it sounds like there is a marble bouncing around inside the crankcase. At this point my best guess is bolt head or nut is down there getting slapped around. What else could be in the crankcase? The odd thing here is that it cranks and runs perfect. Your thoughts?
Paul

I did not see an oblivious plug or port to attach a 1/8" NPT fitting for the oil pressure test. So, with the the oil tank and oil filter removed I chose to crank the engine. Yep, thats correct, with no tank and the filter removed! Immediately oil shot out of the larger oil line. I shut of the engine to prevent damage. There is no evidence of metal shavings in the oil. I will put the tank and filter back on, fill with oil and post another result. Another question.....is there a synthetic oil that will mix with the Polaris brand? I wa told any full synthetic (0W-40W) will comply.

How about this redneck oil pump test.......Remove oil filter, fill oil tank up, crank engine, watch for oil to come oil of block where fillter should be! But only for a few seconds, not until it runs dry.

Low engine hours and has excellent compression. Not sure if this noise is piston slap of lower end knock. Does not occur until cold engine has run for appox 20-seconds. Continues until engine is shut off and allowed to cool off. Re-crank (cold engine) and noise begins again after about 20-seconds. Oil pump?
Paul