Hard starting and long cranking time

[JLDickmon]

how do you check the level in the HPOP? Where does it get its oil from?

there's a plug on the top rear of the housing...
it gets it's oil from the main pump, but if you have bad O-rings in the timing cover, it can leak back down

 

[Guinness]

Another source for the hpop leaking down is the actual low pressure oil pump. It may not be bad either, just loose (Bolts backed out overtime) Saw it on a 98, it was hard to find.

 

[MidwestOffroad]

Under the plastic powerstroke cover is the HPOP reservoir. top right side is a set screw/plug it uses a 3/16 Allen wrench to remove it . then use the handle to check the level. you want no more then 1.00 from the top.

I and oil is supplied via the main/low pressure pump which is mounted to the front of the crank behind the harmonic balancer..external of the engine.