ok, I got more info from the seller about the demise of the cam.
he says when he pulled the oil pump, there were BALL BEARINGS in the screen... How the #@$EU# did bearings get in the screen? he thinks the vacuum pump may have been failing... anyway, he changes the oil pump and drives the car... and the cam breaks...he thinks the vacuum pump may have come apart and failed...
why would somebody spend money on a new oil pump, and pressure valve, find bearings loose in the pan, and NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF THEM???
what are the chances that the problem can be fixed and the cam replaced without incident to the motor?

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 560SL convertible
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 158"WB
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!