Recently bought a 81 240D (my third MB diesel, two previously sold to finance this one). It seems that my front crank seal is leaking, oil leaks only when the engine is running, it leaks pretty good and leaves a trail of oil drips if I drive it anywhere. I've cleaned the whole engine of grease and oil hoping it was coming from somewhere else but it appears to be coming from just below the crank. It runs down the front of the oil pan and drips. As I said, it's a new car and I don't remember it leaking when I first got it until I did a valve adjustment and changed the oil, maybe I did something to it?

I've been reading up and I think I'm going to have to change the seal and I plan on pulling the engine to do so.

I don't think I'm going to try it without a good manual. Can anyone recommend a good place to find a full service manual? I've googled and searched ebay and they seem to vary so widely, I don't want to get another general one like the Haynes manual that I own. Looking for a decent, detailed and complete manual, either CD or book

Any maintenance I should plan on doing while it is out? (keep in mind I'm an ok mechanic but I've never pulled an engine before and am feeling a little overwhelmed!)

Thanks!

Will
79 240D (sold) 340,000km
77 300D (sold) 250,000km
81 240D 249,000 km

You show good reasoning in wanting to get the manual first. The best one is the Factory Manual which is now only on CD it dose not cost much; I believe between 20-25 dollars.
Here is recent thread with the internet address.
CD Manuals

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Pulling the engine is not necessary. Get the Mercedes CD and read about the front crank seal. Then post any questions here for us to help you with.

Replacing the 300TD front crankshaft seal and other front of block oil leaks

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617CrankshaftSeal

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car