oil separator - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

gcoffelt · #1 03-10-2008, 11:05 PM

I have quite a lot of oil showing up even after a short drive. I've heard that cleaning out the oil seperator could help the problem. Does anyone know how to take the top cover off? (not the air cleaner box, the oil separator itself.) It's in an '81 w126 300sd

SD Blue · #2 03-10-2008, 11:30 PM

It isn't necessary to remove the top in order to clean the separator. Just spray some cleaner into the top...remove the air filter housing from the engine first. Since there isn't much to it, it's doubtful to be clogged.

What helped considerably on mine was sealing around the top of the separator with RTV. Be sure and clean the surfaces first for good adhesion and let it set to harden before running the engine as you definitely don't want that stuff down in your crankcase.

gcoffelt · #3 03-10-2008, 11:37 PM

Hm, I'll give it a try. Thanks

#4 03-10-2008, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD Blue

What helped considerably on mine was sealing around the top of the separator with RTV. Be sure and clean the surfaces first for good adhesion and let it set to harden before running the engine as you definitely don't want that stuff down in your crankcase.

I also did that, no more oil on the filter element.

SD Blue · #5 03-11-2008, 11:20 AM

When I reviewed this post, I realized that your question wasn't answered completely. The only way to open the separator is to bend the tabs back that hold the top. The inside is just a hollow cylinder, without a filter element, that has a port coming from the bottom. (It works very simply like the brake bleeder that comes with a mighty-vac.)

A couple of other things to note are the drain tube coming off the bottom of the air cleaner housing and the check valve at the bottom of it. Ensure the drain has good o-rings on the bottom of the filter housing which helps to keep a good seal and seems to help with the vibration problem and broken mounts. With the check valve, I saw some improvement by pouring some of that oil flush down the drain tube when doing oil changes (after the plug is pulled and the oil is drained). I believe DMorrison and Bodyart have replaced the check valve and have posted pics. An advanced search of "check valve" and their names should bring it up.

Good luck and enjoy your car.