Oil passage plugged - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Palangi · #1 12-31-2003, 10:09 AM

On my newly aquired 84 240D, the tiny oil passage in the stem of the oil filter cover is plugged. I tried cleaning it out with a wire, but that didn't work (the wire just bends). I am afraid to try compressed air, as that would probably plug it up even worse. Does anybody have any suggestions on how to clean this out? I wonder if Berrymans would dissolve the sudge?

Happy New Year all!!

adamb · #2 12-31-2003, 12:01 PM

Good catch noticing this hole plugged up!
I would try carb cleaner, then compressed air. That's how I cleaned mine and it worked out when I found mine to be plugged when I initially bought my car.
Good luck, Adam

BoostnBenz · #3 12-31-2003, 12:03 PM

I don't know what Berrymans is but I'd soak it in something for a little while, carb cleaner would probably work well on it. While it may not completely clean it out with enough time it should.

Don't forget to replace those two o-rings on there as well, they tend to get forgotten about and turn very hard and brittle.

leathermang · #4 12-31-2003, 12:25 PM

Paul, some good ' safety wire' twisted will usually give you enough abrasion to get the process started... this is the same concept as some welding hole cleaners use.. but they are too short for your needs...
I don't know how large the hole is.. but you can put two of the safety wires together and have a very strong tool for this purpose..
How about a piece of ' baling wire' ... and I am not being funny.. that stuff is good quality steel..
On something like that you can hit the end and make a pretty good flat ' drill' end on it...
Sometimes these things take both (alternating several cycles) a reamer and the ' Berryman's' style cleaner... alternating once you have a hole for the fluid to reside in overnight,,,,

Palangi · #5 12-31-2003, 12:26 PM

Thanks Guys. I will try the Berrymans (It's carb cleaner).

I will invert the cap, slip a piece of hose over it to make a small resevoir, fill the hose with the carb cleaner, and let it marinate for a couple days.

Somebody else mentioned that maybe the stem unscrews? I dunno about that, but I will check that first. That would certainly make it easier.

I replaced the O-rings. They were completely petrified. I had to chip them off. That's what led me to look at the oil passage. It's open on my other car, so I knew what it's supposed to be like. This one just weeps a little oil, no flow at all.

I will report the results in a week or so.

edit.. Thanks Greg. The vent hole is about the diameter of a paper clip, the stem hole is a bit bigger. Maybe a hunk of electric fence wire would work.

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