oil cooler leak...when does it get serious? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-09-2003, 03:08 PM

For the last few weeks I've noticed a little oil on the grille and on the leading edge of the hood in front of the driver on my '83 240D. My garage guys say it's from around the oil cooler.

No change in running temp, fluid levels, or oil pressure yet...what are danger signs that this might be about to cause real problems...and what might these amount to?

Thanks

lrg · #2 10-09-2003, 04:28 PM

ANY oil cooler leak is potentially serious. Which oil cooler is leaking? I'm not sure about the 240 but my 300 has a transmission cooler and an oil cooler up front. The trans cooler is upright right next to the radiator. If either cooler lets go you could get rapid oil/fluid loss and almost immediate, serious damage if you don't notice it and shut the engine down immediately. The best way to find the leak is to clean the whole area with degreaser, let it dry then run the engine a bit and look for the leak. If it were me I'd fix it ASAP. It may be minor but if it's not the consequences could be seriou$$$.

R Leo · #3 10-09-2003, 04:32 PM

The lube oil cooler is the upright one, next to the radiator. From the factory, the transmission cooler is integrated into the radiator.

If either one is leaking, don't hesitate, do whatever it takes to fix the problem.

P.E.Haiges · #4 10-10-2003, 12:58 AM

JimB+,

The oil coolers are made of steel instead of copper or aluminum like the radiators that cool the engine via a liquid coolant. I think that is because they have to be stronger because they have to withstand the higher forces of the oil pressure.

Thus being made of steel, I don't know if they are repairable. I've known of some oil coolers that were bypassed by connecting the input and output hoses together. New ones are very expensive. Maybe a used one is available somewhere. Check on the internet.

P E H

william rogers · #5 10-12-2003, 01:57 AM

I got a nice used one for 50 bucks for my SD from Sun Valley(that name may be wrong) used MB parts in Southern CA..........
william Rogers.......

P.E.Haiges · #6 10-12-2003, 10:05 AM

William,

"Ya done good". New oil coolers are in the $500 range. If the salvage yard knew that, that might have charged you more.

P E H

#7 10-12-2003, 10:35 AM

I would have just removed it (engine oil cooler) entirely. My Euro doesn't have one at all, and they weren't used overseas. I've had no issues whatsoever with the vehicle regarding oil temps, and have one less thing to fail on the vehicle.

Stevo · #8 10-12-2003, 11:08 AM

Like Diesel Power said, just remove it but if you want one I have a good one that I would sell you at a good price. Contact me off the forum. fidlersg@olympus.net. A broken oil cooler or hose can ruin your day