90 PSI Oil Pressure.

The seal is not connected to the pressure system; can't see how on earth that would cause any pressure drops....???

Start with a new gauge as a check. Pump relief spring on the Melling HV is 72 psi. If truly high, it is high out of the pump and that can only mean the pressure relief valve is hanging up.
The relief valve being hung up would indeed be discouraging...... but it is what it is..... Was the pump dropped or tapped hard at any time?