Whoever can help...

I have a 1987 W124 300TD Turbo Diesel (wagon). It has about 40K milage on it. I just had the diesel pumps re-calibrated about 2 months ago and it was working fine. Then i noticed that there was oil seeping out through the intake manifold from the turbo. (from the gasket connecting the turbo pressure to the intake manifold. The gasket is small and rectagular, about 2.5 inches high and about 4 inches long.) Sad really...

It performs quite well and the turbo kicks in fine at about 2500 rpm. Is my suspission right that the turbo has already given way and needs replacement? or is it only the oil seal inside the turbine?

Also, if anyone knows what Mercedes Benz uses for its turbine? Brand and model? (particularly for the 1987 300TD) is there a turbo repair kit available for my car?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

I do not have experience with this model but a question comes to mind. Can this oil be consumed by the engine? If so you could have a run away diesel waiting for the worst possible time to happen.

Thanks for replying... but would you happen to know anyone that can help me with this problem?

Just replace that gasket and enjoy your oilburner

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Mark, there are two sources of oil into the the crossover pipe. One is the turbo, the other is blow-by. Here are some things to try -

1) Clean the crossover pipe and see how oily it gets after a long drive.

2) There is a hose that leads from the valve cover (behind the oil filler cap) to the turbo air intake hose. Remove this hose from the turbo hose and leave it hanging or stick it in a bottle. Cap the fitting in the turbo hose. Go for a long drive and see how oily the crossover pipe is. If you used a bottle, see how much oil you collected.

3) If the crossover pipe is clean, oil is coming from blow-by. Otherwise it must be coming from the turbo.

4) Remove the turbo air intake hose. Hold the end of the turbo shaft with your fingers. Move the shaft up and down and side to side. If there is more than just perceptible play the turbo bearings are worn. But it might not be the end of the world.

5) Now move the shaft in and out. If there is any play whatsoever the bearings are worn beyond serviceability.

On the compressor housing you might see the word AirResearch. If so, you have a Garrett turbo. $3-400 to have it rebuilt in the US or you can get a rebuild kit from www.turbocity.com. If you don't see AirResearch in big bold letters or if you see KKK (I think in a triangle) then you have a KKK turbo. Perfectly good turbo but more expensive to have rebuilt and I'm not aware of any DIY rebuild kits. AFAIK, you can put a Garrett in place of a KKK and vice versa with no other modifications. Don't quote me on that.

If you feel boost at 2500rpm, that might be a little late. The true test is to have max boost by 4000rpm with the pedal to the floor. Max boost spec is 0.85 - 0.95 bar (roughly 12.5 - 13.5 psi).

If your only concern is oil leaking past the crossover pipe gasket then as Johnhef says, change the gasket and enjoy the car.

By chance did you go to Xavier School?

Sixto
93 300SD

One last thing... oil in the intake is not abnormal, although it's not really desirable either. I get oil in the intake on my car, too. If your oil consumption is normal (quart per 4000 miles or better), replace the gasket and ignore the oil in the intake.

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