cando & others, I agree wholeheartedly that the sudden loss of pressure is not likely to engine suddenly gone bad, but likely a pump or check valve or screen problem. Notice, my original comment, "I MAY need and engine ----". This comment was based on continued excessive oil use PLUS this present pressure prob. MB tech picked up car today. We suspect pump, check valve or screen, etc. If I get the pump/pressure prob fixed, I'll still have an engine using excessive oil - that's why I said, "I MAY need and engine". So, I STILL may need an engine or keep feeding it oil - that's what I'll probably do for a while, anyway. Thanks for the good tips, etc.