Why no oil preasure?
 

While on my way to look at a 300SDL my 300D quit. It's like it knew I might replace it. There was a slight noise that cought my attention then 30 seconds later the engine quit. I pulled over and it restarted but with no oil preasure so I shut it off. I think the noise came from around the turbo area. Can the oil preasure drop if the turbo goes bad?

yes, the turbo oil line can dump all your oil out on the ground... no oil in the pan, no oil pressure...
how is the oil level?

The oil level was good. Thanks

It might have thrown the chain that powers the oil pump or the oil pump itself might have let go in some fashion. To inspect the chain etc the lower front portion of the oil pan has to be removed. Check the archives for pictures and information. Needless to say do not start this engine up before finding what is wrong.

A messy way to confirm the oil pump is engaged is to crank the engine with the oil pressure sender removed. Oil should squirt in pulses through the fitting.

Sixto
87 300D

What year 300D? The W123 models had an oil pressure line, not a sender. The same test can be done, of course. If you try this, have someone hold the STOP lever down or use a remote start switch so the engine cranks but does not fire. If you do not see oil squirting out then the pump is not working.

Jeremy

or just look at the camshaft oilers.

or hook up another pressure gauge?...

Excelent Advice! Thank You. I will tow the car home today and look.

Almost forgot. It is an 82 300D

That car has a mechanical oil pressure gauge. No pressure reading means no pressure.

Replace the filter and report back.

Sixto
87 300D

I did the filter and it did not improve. That would have been too easy.
My engine manual does not have specific directions for inspecting or replacing the chain. It looks like I have to lift the engine but not remove it. Take off the oil pan and the front cover and replace the chain. I did search the forums but did not find anything specific.
Do these engines shut down when oil preasure drops? My newer diesels have that feature.

I think all engines shut down if the oil pressure drops to 0. ;)

In a 617 you should be able to drop the lower pan and see if the oil pump sprocket turns with the crankshaft.

Sixto
87 300D

FWIW Non-turbo 617s have a gear driven oil pump I believe, but the poster's '82 should have a turbo engine, and thus a chain driven pump.