Oil Level Sensor Leak
 

My 97 E300 is leaking from the level sensor. Not the o-ring but the sensor itself. The model does not use a c clip on the sensor to put tension on a o-ring thats against the metal. It looks like a pressed fitting of some sort. I would like to fix this when I am changing the oil this weekend. The part is 80 at MB and 40ish at ********e. The sensor is fine, and the o-ring that goes with the sensor is not leaking. The oil is seping past the metal and out plastic interface. What are the chances that after the oil is removed. I can blast it with Carb cleaner, and put high temp silicon on this area??
Is this a common problem on the 606 engine?

It may work. Is probably seeping around the plastic part of the the sensor from your description. I'd imagine 12 years of heat and harsh conditions has made it less fexible than when new.

If it doesn't work all you are out is catching the clean oil and reinstalling when you replace the part.

I just replace mine for exactly the same problem. I don't think RTV (silicone) will work for very long. RTV isn't very oil resistant when it isn't captured between parts, like a gasket surface. I think the RTV will start to seep in a matter of weeks. You certainly try it, all you have to lose is the labor.

IMHO fixing it is a waste of time. Replace it. It's not that costly a part and I do recall mine, when it was leaking was also starting to give false alarms which is also common for them to fail that way. You might just patch it up and then in 3 months start getting annoying "low oil level" messages. Just my $.02.

I have a new one... MIP (Mint In Plastic) :) I don't need it... Make me a fair offer. :)

I might take you up on it
 

It was time for the oil change, so I removed it and cleaned it up.
I then used an epoxy that bonds plastic and metal. I pushed the 2 stage epoxy in the well allowing about 2mm below the o-ring that seals the connector. Let it dry while away on biz. Its now installed, and working great. For now anyway. I will give it awhile and see if it holds. The epoxy cost me a fiver. If I need it I will be back to you.

Bill :D