Engine does not use oil.

This is NOT an oil problem, it is a very low (near zero) oil pressure at idle problem. Oil is fine.

Hans is going to put a new oil pressure relief valve in it this week to eliminate that possiblity, but at that point the owner will have to decide what to do. If the new pressure relief valve doesn't fix the low oil pressure, he will probably sell the car.

Investigating bearings or oil pump will probably require removing the engine, and removing the crank gets into a minor engine rebuild pretty fast....

Peter

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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!