have any ideas as to where I should start..... I made the mistake of commenting here a month or so ago that I clock around 50K a year and had never been stranded; nix that boast.

Started out on an airport run yesterday (130 miles each way) with the 300SD. The night before I had installed a new shutoff valve and changed the engine oil and filter. On the highway about 65 miles from home (at 70 mph) I noticed that temp had crept up to about 100c (never have seen the temp that high in the sd even at 90 degrees with ac on) ambient temp was at about 75f. Another mile or so and I thought I heard a regular"tick" (as in valve train) from up front. Slowed down to 55 mph and oil pressure dropped to 2.5. As luck would have it I was right at an exit and pulled off the highway. At the end of ramp stop sign, oil pressure dropped to .5 with valve train clattering to beat hell; pulled over to the shoulder and shut it down. Glad that I have the upgraded AAA plan with 100 mile towing plan - got on the horn, rented a car, and had the MB trucked back to the ranch.

Oil level is right on the mark, no leaks anywhere. Started cold this morning and pressure jumped to 3 immediately, although there is a slight valve tick.
Didn't let it run long enough to warm up.

Odo indicates 151K, but is not entirely accurate (adds about 60 miles for each 100 that I drive) I have put about 15K on since I brought it home in May. In that time oil pressure has been consistant with that of my 190D; 1+ at idle (warm) popping to 3 by 1100 +/- rpm's.

There was no lower engine noise (as in rod bearing knock) only valve train clatter which I can only assume was from lack of oil. My guess is either oil pump failure or perhaps a main bearing. Any ideas anyone??

Jim

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2005 C240 4matic wagon (daily driver)
87 190D - 225K (on loan)
85 190D - 312K (on loan)
2011 Subaru Legacy AWD (Wife's)