I am a novice owner and have been taking care of a 1980 300 TD for the past 3 years.

About a month after having the oil changed, the engine began running rough and then my wife just parked in in the driveway because she was afraid it would stall.

When I started it, it began making a rythmic metal on metal screaching. I checked the oil cold and the dip stick showed half full (btween the twon notches).

Towed it to a mechanic and after looking at it for 5 minutes pronouced it trashed. Said the oil pump was probably broken.

When we got it home I put a couple more quarts of oil in it (till the and on the second start the screaching went away. Runs fine. (haven't taken it on the road though)

Some things concern me though.

1. When I opened the oil cap after running the engine for about 5 minute there was a little white smoke.

2. The oil pressure gauge pegged on the 3rd line and after about a minute settled down to the 2nd notch while the engine is idling. Is this normal?

3. Should I have the oil pump checked if I have oil pressure?

I'm wondering if I bring the car into the mechanic what I should ask him to check.

Thanks