I noticed something a little weird one day when i was examining the engine while idling. I'm referring to the 19mm large bolt head that is on the top of the crankcase just next to the edge of the cylinder head. The photos were taken from the driver's side.

Well to me, it looked like there was some oil seeping around the edge of the recess in which the head of the bolt lays (it didn't look like it was coming from the edge of the bolt). I first noticed it when I saw what looked like tiny bubbles forming at the edge of the recess. After I noticed it, I cleaned it out with a rag and that hasn't really happened again but my questions are;

What is that bolt for? and What could could it mean if indeed the oil leakage in that area became profuse? I guess I'd be able to answer the second question myself if I knew the answer to the first!

Thanks

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well, you didnt tell us what vehicle this is... but it must be a 240d or naturally aspirated 300 series, right?

that 'bolt' is a cover, I believe. Underneath it is another that used when removing parts related to the timing device and IP.

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its a common leak area.

you can loosen it and replace the o-ring underneath.

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What type of car do you have?

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-Typos courtesy of my mobile phone.

... I thought my car was in the signature ...

I drive a 1982 240D with 219,000 miles

and, what exactly is under there?

Almost.

That information is in your profile. The signature is separate from the profile. Click on your USER CP on the top of the page and find the "Edit Signature button"

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1982 300GD Carmine Red (DB3535) Cabriolet Parting Out
1990 300SEL Smoke Silver (Parting out)
1991 350SDL Blackberry Metallic (481)

"The thing is Bob, its not that I'm lazy...its that I just don't care."

do you have any idea what the the part is called so i can look up the o-ring size before going to the parts store? or do you know off hand what size it is. And is there anything to be leery of when removing the bolt (besides dropping something in there) such as keeping tension on anything while the bolt is out?
thanks

Not a problem taking that "cap" off, nothings going to jump out.. Underneath is your oil pump drive and intermediate shaft.

I dont know why you couldn't make a gasket from gasket material, you dont need any special "O" ring.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I would not recommend "just taking that bolt/cap off"... Best to blast it with a hose or compressed air to get rid of any crud that might fall in the hole first.

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)