I believe my IP is leaking oil at the gasket between the bottom plate and pump housing.

I have tried to get to the fasteners, but they are extremely hard to reach. Looks like might require IP R & R ... can anyone confirm this or offer advice on best direction at this point?

Thanks!

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

It's conceivable that you could reach the bolts in situ, if you remove the AC compresser, but otherwise most reports indicate that it's nearly impossible. If you have a hard time locating the gasket itself, I've found that the large o-ring for an OM617 oil filter housing will technically fit as a replacement.

Thanks, H2O2 ... if all I wanted to do was replace the leaking gasket (oring more appropriate, I guess), how big a job is this? Seems like some special positioning tools are needed?

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

Replacing the seal itself isn't hard at all (just 6 bolts), but access is a bear even if the AC compressor is removed. Probably easiest to just remove the IP and replace the seal on a workbench--I'd use the factory seal if at all possible. Remember, there's a lot of oil that'll come streaming out when that cover is removed, so be prepared for that gooey mess. If you pull the IP, it's a good time to replace the delivery valve o-ring and copper seal too. Don't even think of R&R-ing the IP without the locking pin.