91 sdl oil leak plus other questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

madsen · #1 09-26-2016, 11:22 AM

I have an oil leak from my head gasket it seems.It is coming from the rear passenger side corner. Not running out but seeping. I am not absolutely sure that is the source but fairly certain as I have washed the whole motor numerous times and that area at least 2 times and the oil reappears. I can see it on the block below that area. Is this a sign of a head gasket issue ? major or minor issue or is there another more likely source for the oil to be coming from.

I am replacing the metal flex parts between the exhaust manifold as it developed a crack and was leaking exhaust. Final got the old part out by removing the front part of the exhaust manifold. Has anyone else done this and have an idea if when I go to replace the new parts I will need to also loosen/remove the longer rear part of the manifold ?
That looks like a lot more work and I am trying to not get too deep into this or create more work.
Putting some of this back together is going to be a challenge with small spaces and big hands.
Thanks in advance
John

Diseasel300 · #2 09-26-2016, 11:47 AM

How high up is the oil showing on the block? Is it right below the valve cover? If so, you likely have a hardened valve cover gasket. Cheap and easy to replace and a very common source of oil leaks, especially right rear passenger corner.

sixto · #3 09-26-2016, 11:52 AM

x2 on a new valve cover gasket.

If you can replace the accordion without pulling the entire manifold, go for it. Tighten the runner to the head before tightening the accordion clamps.

Sixto
83 300SD

madsen · #4 09-26-2016, 06:16 PM

Ok so I very carefully checked the valve cover. It is not leaking, The leak is coming from the head gasket where head meets engine.
So I eliminated that option!
Now what ?
Major or minor issue or ???

Diseasel300 · #5 09-26-2016, 06:49 PM

If it isn't burning oil, dumping it all over the place, or having other operational issues, I'd let sleeping dogs lie. Replacing the head gasket is no easy task and there's a LOT that can go wrong!