zsirhc

1996 2.5 TL 167,xxx miles.

Oil light turned on, i drove it to work like that anyway. On the way home i ran out of gas rolled into a gas station. Gas up then it wont start, i get a jump, car starts but wont stay on, and its making a clanking noise. Besides the obvious, I know enough about cars and noises that this is a bad sound. I get pulled home.
Weekend comes i check battery, its 5 years old, new battery. I change the valve cover gasket cuz i knew oil had been leaking on spark plugs. new spark plugs too. Add missing quart and half of oil.
Car starts fine, but oil light is still on and not as loud clanking. i reset computer to make sure the light isnt just stuck on, its turns back on.
Against my better judgment i drive it around the block. BUT clanking gets quieter when i get back home.
Call a friend he says oil light means not enough oil pressure. Says it might be oil pump. and that i shouldn't drive it like that.
Call another friend, he says same thing, but he says oil pump might be connected to timing belt and that would make it harder than just dropping the oil pan and changing it.

So finally, my questions are....
1. Is the oil pump is connected to timing belt?
2. Has anyone change the oil pump before is it a big big deal?
I can handle a big deal, but might not have time for a big big deal.
3. Is the oil pump a dealer only part or can i get it at an auto parts store?