Followed your advice and retraced my steps this AM and success!!
Found a small tie wrap that holds some wires together had gotten lodged in the back of the filter cover! Couldn't see it in the dark. All OK now.... thank goodness I was carefully watching the oil pressure.

Important lesson learned.... Don't work in the dark

It sure is great having a place to come to for moral support in a crises... thanks guys and gals.

Am now off for a "drive 'n dine" with the Mercedes club for tomorrow. Should be fun.... hope none of them are reading my post... embarassing.

Thanks again... very humbly yours Mr G

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Mr Goodfahrt (pronounced FAIRT... means "good trip" in German)

1982 300D Turbo Pastel Gray (off-white) 200k+(?)
newbie but willing