I finally cleaned up my 2.2 190d engine compartment enough to find that my oil leak is from the head gasket; the gasket appears broken around the front of the chain galley. The leak is very noticeable but frequent checking of oil level will contain the problem.

There MIGHT be a small skip in the engine at slow idle, but other than that the gasket seems to be performing its task. No white smoke, no oil in the coolant. There is blowby at the valve cover as well.

So the question is-- drive it some more or fix now?

To drive or not to drive,,, that is the question,,, I would drive, but I would also clean up really good and jbweld the area where the leak is,,, No sense in replacing a head gaskket that still performs it's intended function of seperating the block from the head and not allowing combustion gases to escape.

My fix will cost about 25¢ and take 15 minutes. Replacing the head gasket = $$$ and time.

I'm sure that alot of Mercedes enthusiasts would cringe at my suggested repair, but I feel NOT spending money to maintain a car is the most economical way to drive.

Now if this is a show car,,, scratch my opinion and fix it right.

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i agree with the prescribed repair above for a chain gallery alone leak. except i wouldn't use jbweld i would use silicone.

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.

Thanks for the advice. I will follow. ITs easy to monitor in any case.

Laquer thinner is the best pre sealant application cleaner to aid bonding over the leak area that I know of. It might take seveal applications to stop the oil seeping out before you are ready to install a sealant like silicone rubber. Nothing will bond to an oily surface.