You mention in post #1.

quote:
I was also chasing an oil leak yesterday and drained some of the oil because I found it was over-filled.

First you have an oil leak, how bad and from where?

When was your last oil change?

How often did you have to add oil?

How often do you check the oil level?

About two weeks ago I checked the oil level in the 240, it was about 2 inches over full. Wiped off the stick and checked it again, Right at the full mark. HMMM that`s weard. next day the same, and since it has been at the full mark. This morning checked it for my Wife, and was right at the full mark.

My 85 300D did this too several times, really don`t know what causes this. and it doesn`t do it all the time.

Now maybe yours was doing this too, and then you drained the 2 or so qts?
I think with even 4 qts in the pan, the engine will still run w/o much trouble. though we or you don`t really know the amount of oil that was in there.
When you drained the pan, how much came out?

As Maxbumpo said, the debris in the pan may have been from a prior problem, and the pan was not cleaned out.

You did mention you heard some clanking and banging around in the engine, that isn`t a good indicator.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works