Volvo Repair: 88 780 w/ b280 oil pressure issue, low oil pressure, oil leaks

Question
My 780 developed a low oil pressure condition suddenly one day.  It started at a stop light with the light flickering and the idle was eratic.  The car drove fine unless the RPM's got over 2500 then there was a lot of clacking.  I had the car towed home and checked what i could without ripping the motor apart.  I didnt find anything on the outside, other then the oil leaks that the car has had from the time i bought it.  Mostly around the crank seal and timing cover.  Also the oil filter had a large dent in it.

I finally pulled the oil pan and checked the strainer, it was clean.  Pulled the timing cover and checked the tension, all in spec.  THe only thing i notices is that the pully flange was cracked from what appears to be over torquing.  I also found small amounts of metal in the chain-way that appear to be from the pully key.  I posted photos at http://webpages.charter.net/jjerickson/Volvo1.htm

Someone i talked to also mentioned the crank bearings as a possible issue, but the Volvo manual doenst mention this or even how to check them.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help!

Jesse Erickson

Answer
Jesse, I have never really had to tear down a b280 because once they blow, most people just throw it away and put a 4 cylinder turbo motor in it.  I looked at your pictures and your thoughts sound good because I dont really have an explanation for it.    The oil pump may be the culprit also.  did you happen to fill the engine back up with oil after light was flickering?  Just want to cover all the bases.  Roger