how bad can it be/oil leak,/coolant leak - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

coleman kelly · #1 09-27-2003, 06:20 PM

Searching related threads, it appears that I need a head gasket. Over the initial terror and hysteria and looking forward to taking on the job. Want to be sure.

Was driving about 10 minutes, smelt oil, pulled over, popped hood, noticed the engine felt hot (temp gauge has been erratic, and inaccurate) noticed oil leaking from head near the front of engine. Check oil, it was low between the low mark and the end of dipstick. Restarted, which took painfully long, didn;'t want to go, drove 4 blocks added 2 quarts of oil. Car stalled ( this is what is spooky: may have run out of fuel at the exact time) wouldn't start. Added 2 gallons of fuel, Got a jumo start, fired up pretty good, (much easier than before0 Maybe simply b/c it was cold.
Noticed that the exhaust pipe spit about 3 table spoons of water(not 50/50 mixture) Added coolant/water mix, took 3/4 of a gallon. Drove home 6 miles, had power and ran smooth.
Noticed hiss/bubbliong from the radiatir around the top where plastic and metal meet.
Pistons pressurized the radiator? COuldn't find thread verification on this.
So, pretty sure I need a head gasket anbd maybe a radiator.
Compression check first?
Also committd to getting the dash demon fixed, bad ground, temp sensor.
Have done some heads on non deisels, how much is it to have it checked for cracks, not always visible. DO they have a DIY product get to check for hairlines?
Thanks everyone.

clarknova · #2 09-27-2003, 06:47 PM

Haven't actually used the stuff before, but it's supposed to change colors if there is combusted stuff in your coolant.
Maybe worth a look into...

http://www.automotiveparts-accessories.com/eastwood.php?interest=Engine+%26+Drivetrain+Radiator+Tools

Stevo · #3 09-28-2003, 12:42 AM

coleman kelly

It would really help if you told us what brand of MB your talking about. the heads of the 616 & 617 pretty tough. Around here its $35.00 to have the head magnafluxed but they wont "hot tank" them anymore.

psfred · #4 09-28-2003, 12:47 PM

Hissing between the metal and plastic tank of rad means new rad PRONTO, it's corroded out and cannot be fixed. If you have a W123 chassis, there are all metal rads out there, get on if you can.

Erratic temp gauge is a result of low coolant, in this case from the leak at the rad. This leak is NOT related to a head problem.

When you get the new rad in, check the car for cold pressure in the cooling system. If the hose are hard with the engine cold, chances are you have a head or head gasket problem.

Oil leaks will be worse with the engine very hot, and may go away once you fix the cooling system.

Peter

coleman kelly · #5 10-01-2003, 01:10 AM

Thanks Peter
I was about to remove the head. It sure seems like the pressure was coming from stray engine compression. Makes sense what you are saying. Does seem like a new oil like as large as the one I have means trouble. Heeding your advice. Checking for metal radiator. thanks again

coleman kelly · #6 10-01-2003, 01:35 AM

Thanks Peter
I was about to remove the head. It sure seems like the pressure was coming from stray engine compression. Makes sense what you are saying. Does seem like a new oil like as large as the one I have means trouble. Heeding your advice. Checking for metal radiator. thanks again

Fisherman · #7 10-01-2003, 08:06 AM

Sure this is not from the valve cover gasket? Trasient leaks can look ominous but if you clean it up with soem engine brite or soemthing like that then check it again after running hard for a bit you may find it is only the valve cover.
Which reminds me that this sounds like a new car for you?
Adjust the valves and replace the valve cover gasket... They may be out of adjustment (too tight usually) which would lead to hard starts.

coleman kelly · #8 10-01-2003, 06:03 PM

thanks fisherman,
\ It is a new car for me, 5 months, although I thought I knew a bit about carsm the deisel thing is a new world, I havbe been hazing this car with experimental fuel b/c people told me it'd run on anything. I am being a biyt more moderate now but have some of the 170k kinks to work out.]
I am guessing you are right, valve adjustments, especially with the heating that has been happening.
Talked to a mechanic today that said to do the loose cap test and run it a bit, like ps freed he thinks I may simply need an "upper tank" Found a new radiator for $203.
thanks for the tip. coleman