What is this part and how do I stop it from leaking?
 

I have noticed today that the hose behind the oil filler cap is leaking at the base somewhere around the 90 degree angle (maybe at the base where it connects to the valve cover?). I am not sure what it IS leaking though. It looks and feels like fresh synthetic motor oil (I am currently running Rotella synth), but the oil has close to 3000 miles on it and when I check it with the dip stick, it is geting pretty dirty. I have three questions:
1: What is it?
2: What does it mean when it is leaking?
3: How do I fix it?
I guess the most important question is what it is. Searching for "do-hickey" and "thingie" did not seem to give me any decent results :P

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1...1/PICT1464.jpg

leaks
 

what is leaking is motor oil, what usually happend is the rubber part on the valve cover gets hard and brittle with age and heat and allows oil to seep past. the grommet is mercedes number 601-016-01-63 looks like phil can get you the part pretty cheap

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?header=header.jsp&footer=&product=601-016-01-63&partner=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&cookieid=1Q20UFL8U1QI0AC2OB

Wow, thanks for the info. What is this hose's purpose (if you couldn't tell, I am a total novice in this DIY repair field)? It seems to take something (air?) out of the valve train and redirect it to the intake manifold.

Do I just pop off the assembly with a screw driver, wet the new grommet with fresh oil and reinsert the assembly?

It is a crankcase vent tube or "breather" hose. It's job is to alleviate crankcase pressure caused by combustion gases. These gases are rich with oil vapor and that's why you see a little bit of oil coming out. Be careful when removing it. It's likely brittle so be prepared to fish out broken pieces that fall inside (they won't fall deep, there's a "floor" right beneath the opening).

That's quite a special car you've got there. How did you get it and can we see some more pics?:)

I don't ever recall seeing one not 'sweating':D

Thanks for the info. I do appreicate the "this is what you do" type responses, but I also really like the "this is what it is and why it is there" type info.

I got the car at a lot the day before it was to go to auction for $1750. I also knew I had a winner when I first got it and came here with my first question and a got a few replies of "it is a piece of junk, where are you and I will take it off of your hands for you ;) ). Appearantly, it was a trade in by a lady whose husband recently died and she hated the diesel :confused: . It is a most wonderful car and my first (but not last) diesel. I was sold on it when I drove it the first time. It is a tank and with mucho accleration. I was also pleasantly surprised at the fuel efficiency (30-35 mpg in town with lots of idleing). Bottom line, this is the PERFECT CAR (that does have some issues ie http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/145807-70-degree-days-back-some-ac-help-needed.html ).

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1...1/PICT1452.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1...1/PICT1451.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1...1/PICT1449.jpg

Wow that is a sweet looking car! :eek:

I wonder how long the 603 lasts when its non-turbo...forever??! :eek:

Just a heads up but the fuel return lines from your injectors (the rubber hoses that run between the injectors) should probably be replaced or watched closely. They will start leaking after a while with that type of hose, Mercedes uses a braided hose (has a braided cloth looking outside cover) that lasts much much longer, it costs more but it's worth the extra $.

Thanks for the info! What would you estimate this as a priority? Is this something that I keep an eye on until I notice a shiny spot where the fuel is leaking or is it a "you know they have failed when you see fire and smoke coming from under the hood" situtation? :)

Nice car! Do you have any interior shots of the instrument panel and shift lever? You really lucked out and I'm not sure if you realize how rare this car is in the US.

The nice thing about diesel cars is that they don't catch fire (except possibly in some extreme situations). I agree with Wasuchi that you should replace the hoses with the correct, cloth-braided ones, but it's not an emergency. Just keep an eye out for leaks.

You can wait until you see a leak, it won't start gushing fuel or anything, it'll just start getting wet with Diesel. So no, it's not an emergency or high priority even.

If I'm reading the printing on your fuel return lines right that looks like high pressure injection hose. It should be quite a while before you need to replace that.

They're right Dale. You have no idea how rare and valuable your MB is. And without the turbo it could last forever! I agree that we need to see many more pics of the car, especially the interior. Most of us have never seen the Euro in your year and body style. 5 speed?? WOW!!
The braided line/hose isn't expensive at all, but since most of us aren't that familiar with your particular car, might that line be stock?
My wife also has the Toyota Sienna kid hauler. Without a doubt the best running vehicle I've ever owned.

I am am impressed by how clean that thing is! That is an extremly rare MB, my favorite kind!:D If you ever want to sell...:D