Mav:

Two thoughts:

The IP is engine oil lubricated on the bottom side -- I don't know if there are external lines or not, but if you have a bad gasket, it could leak. I know the bottom cover leaks, and it is necessary to remove the IP to fix it -- requires several special tools to retain correct timer to pump alignment and to avoid breaking the timer. Also a hube pain in the ass. Better than blowing all the oil on the ground!

Second, make sure your blowby hose isn't clogged either in the hose to the turbo or inside the valve cover in the oil separator -- if it is, you will overpressure the engine hot at speed, and out comes the oil, probably from the injection pump flange or bottom plate! My old 220D has too much blowby, and on the highway blows oil out the upper oil pump busshing seal like mad!

Since you should have a slow leak along with the big one, clean the engine and spray it with foot powder -- you will be able to see leaks better as black streaks in the white powder. Otherwise, if you are using good oil, it will run off and not leave much mark.

I cannot personally think of anything else, but I'm sure at least one other person will!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!