I am having a problem with the oil return pipe from the turbo on my 82 TD. I replaced the bottom pipe all the gaskets on the turbo and now it is leaking between the top and bottom return pipes where they come together. Is there a systematic way of putting these two together or what do I need to do?

I use some bearing grease or engine oil on the o-ring to let the tube slip over it. If you put it on dry, it can roll the o-ring out of it's groove.

But what if it is still in the groove what could it be?

I've seen some people (Myself included) that use some high-temp silicone to seal it.

EDIT: W126 OM617 1985 300SD turbo drain tube gasket & seals
617 engine, replacing the oil separator check valve in the upper oil pan.

I have seen this very problem downright stymy my very good "Indy" MBZ mechanic friend.
Above I have inserted a couple of these " [,] " in your quote as my lead-in to just one question:

Q1 - When you say "all the gaskets"... do you include both of rubber pieces [ one O-ring (upper) & one grommet lower] that should be installed between the two metal pipe parts?

Note - Don't confuse these two rubber sealing pieces with the grommet that goes between the oil pan and the lower pipe !! Also make certain that this joint between the two metal pipes/tubes... that this joint is not "cock-eyed" ! It needs to be a straight [vertical] as you can make it.

Merry Christmas !

on my 82 300td i think we had the turbo out four times before we got this drain tube to not leak.

it is a very tricky little *****.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

isn't it easier to remove the small oil pan and take the lower drain-tube/pipe out that way for replacing the rubber sealing parts... at least that's how we went at this often difficult to solve problem!
What do you suppose you owe your final success to... vertical allignment of the joint between the two tubes/pipes?
Regards,

it has been ten years. and my brother actually did it so i have no clue what the final trick was. we didnt drop the lower pan, though. all from above.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Broyalit - Seriously, let us know that you are getting this very expensive and highly sought after technical advice !
Q - What rubber "thingies" have you replaced... did you put in two between the two tubes/pipes, and did you go in from above or take off the pan?
Regards,