persistent oil leak on 300D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tanksowner · #1 03-25-2011, 10:02 AM

I've heard that the OM617 likes to leak oil, but I've done my best to try and stop the leaking, as I don't want it, for lack of a better phrase, to mark its territory wherever it goes. I've replaced several rotting gaskets, but the leaking prevails. Is there something else I'm missing here? I've been assured several times now by my mechanic that the leak should stop, and it keeps surfacing. Are my efforts in vain?

vstech · #2 03-25-2011, 10:15 AM

totally in vain.

ok, it's repairable, you just gotta FIND the leak.

Diesel911 · #3 03-25-2011, 10:21 AM

More info needed; a list of what was already fixed.

I believe everthing but the Rear Main Seal can be fixed with out removing the Engine.
On mine I have the Gaskets to replace the Oil Filter And Fuel Injection Pump Gaskets tha have been leaking since I bought the Car.
Did the Turbo Drain (this one leaked a lot around the Grommet) and Breather Drian Pipe 4-6 months ago.

Transmission leaks also?

kerry · #4 03-25-2011, 10:22 AM

Where's the leak coming from?

vstech · #5 03-25-2011, 10:34 AM

I'm currently working on a customer's car. he wants all oil leaks stopped.
I've got it down to just one trickle...
still chasing the leak.
oil will find it's way out of EVERYWHERE!
lots of gaskets, seals, orings, and fittings for it to leak from...

Orv · #6 03-25-2011, 03:09 PM

A lot of these engines seem to produce prodigious amounts of blowby, which just makes the situation worse.

Stretch · #7 03-25-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orv

A lot of these engines seem to produce prodigious amounts of blowby, which just makes the situation worse.

Speak for yourself! I'm hoping for minimal blow by after my rebuild (otherwise it was a serious waste of time effort and money).

Tanksowner · #8 03-25-2011, 04:48 PM

Quick update.

Looked underneath the car and it looks like it's coming from either the oil pan(a small tray that's directly in the middle underneath the car?), or a small tube that's just to the right of it. I just had the gasket replaced in the oil pan so I seriously doubt that's the problem. I'm having my mechanic put it up on a lift tomorrow morning and see if it's as simple as a nut that just requires a little torque. But based on all of your responses, it reaffirms my belief that my car will hemorrhage oil no matter what I do. But the leak seemed to have gotten worse after the trip to the shop. Something get knocked loose perhaps?

rebreath · #9 03-25-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tanksowner

Quick update.

Looked underneath the car and it looks like it's coming from either the oil pan(a small tray that's directly in the middle underneath the car?), or a small tube that's just to the right of it. I just had the gasket replaced in the oil pan so I seriously doubt that's the problem. I'm having my mechanic put it up on a lift tomorrow morning and see if it's as simple as a nut that just requires a little torque. But based on all of your responses, it reaffirms my belief that my car will hemorrhage oil no matter what I do. But the leak seemed to have gotten worse after the trip to the shop. Something get knocked loose perhaps?

turbo drain most likely if its passenger side.If not then look at oil drain line from aircan to drivers side of engine around behind valve cover.

bobodaclown · #10 03-25-2011, 05:12 PM

You know the trick to use powder based spray deodorant to follow the leak back.

JHZR2 · #11 03-25-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobodaclown

You know the trick to use powder based spray deodorant to follow the leak back.

No, do tell...

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebreath

turbo drain most likely if its passenger side.If not then look at oil drain line from aircan to drivers side of engine around behind valve cover.

+1. Turbo drain if done in situ can be really tough to get the remnants of the gasket off. You cant see it and feel doesnt do much. Do you get oil on the shield/arm for the p/s engine mount? That is where it leaked on my 83.

bobodaclown · #12 03-25-2011, 06:57 PM

to find an oil leak:
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/engine_leak_detection_tips/index.html

Degrease the area in question and run the bike a little and watch the area for the beginning signs of seepage. The use of a spray-on powder deodorant will help pinpoint the exact leak.

If you want to narrow the oil leak search more precisely, power wash the engine (steering as clear as you can from electrical connectors), including undercarriage. Drive the engine dry, or let sit dry. Then go buy a can of deodorant - the spray powder kind - and spray the parts or joints that you suspect. Then take her for a ride and warm things up. Your leak sources will be easily traceable to their sources.

Just a small tech tip here. For tracing leaks you can also use a can of spray deodorant that is the dry powder type. Just clean the area in question and then spray it with the deodorant. You'll then be able to see where the leak comes from and your car won't sweat and offend people with odor.