First of all, Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah to all here, and thanks for any thoughts on this...
A search of the symptoms I experienced yielded good info, but the symptoms are gone, and I want to know your suggestions for next steps.

1982 240d, 273k.

I have a slow oil leak (golf ball size puddle nightly) and I usually add about a half quart overy 10 days or so. That's about 600 miles of driving for me. The car has started well in any conditions, and has ran well. There is a good amount of blowby, enough to make the cap dance lively.

Anyway, after getting the car back from body work that took two weeks, I noticed lower oil pressure while driving- a bit over 2 on the gauge. At idle (I pulled into a gas station) it was lower, and I heard increased clatter. I turned up the idle adjust, and the clatter went away, but the pressure wouldn't go up to 3. I checked oil, and it was just over a quart low. After putting a quart in, the car required lots of cranking time before starting.

However, after getting home, all of the above symptoms disappeared- it starts immediately again, and pressure is normal. Santa is bringing valve adjust wrenches, and I know that I need to chase the leaks down... any other thoughts?