Hi,

My car has developed an oil leak. Traced the leak to this part. What is it and why would it leak? Is there a sealing ring that can be replaced? First picture provides context and the second picture is a close up of where the oil leak is coming from. A drop of oil drips from this location every minute or so under load.

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Here's the second picture:

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any one?

Looks like the chain tensioner. If it is there should be a crush ring underneath it.

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Jim

That is the chain tensioner - its pretty easy to replace the sealing washer but I don't think I'd bother. You mention the thing is leaking a drop a minute when the car is running? A drop a minute would have things alot more messy than your picture.... From looking at your picture I'd say its more like a drop per month.

If the sealing washer is like the one on an OM603 you need to get it from the dealer. The one on my car is countersunk - the sealing surface is below the area you can see on the outside of the sealing ring.

Tim

Picture doesn't show all of the oil. I noticed the leak because of pools of oil in the driveway. Apparently the oil was dripping and gathering in the plastic tray. When I park it would all drain out. Everything below the alternator and oil heat exchanger is covered as is the bottom of the car. At first I couldn't tell where it was coming from and then I spotted the drips while giving it some throttle by hand.

Thanks for ID'ing the part. Hopefully a sealing ring with fix the problem.

Chuck

Tim,

Is there a book/manual that spells out the procedure...since this is the chain tensioner I want to make sure I get the install right....wouldn't want to alter the tension on the chair (too tight, too loose) replacing this sealing ring.

Chuck

Below is the procedure for removing and re-installing the chain tensioner on your '95 E300 Diesel.


REMOVAL
Position piston of cylinder 1 to ignition TDC Turn engine at crankshaft.

CAUTION: Do not crank engine backward

Remove chain tension complete.


INSTALLATION
Replace chain tensioner only complete. Replace seal.

Before installing, fill chain tensioner with engine oil. Place chain tensioner with the thrust pin facing down into engine oil until it extends over the collar on the hexagon.

Press thrust pin through slowly 7-10 times as far as the stop with the aid of a press or a column-type drill.

NOTE: After filling, it must be possible to compress the chain tensioner only quite slowly, evenly and with considerable force.

Tighten chain tensioner to: 80 Nm

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'95 E300 Diesel, 264,000 Miles. [Sold it]

You are correct in the procedure but I don't understand why #1 has to be TDC. If the chain runs a constant route what dif should it make? Can't wrap my brain around that one.

Not sure why either, but the procedure outlined is directly from Mercedes (Copy and Paste). So I have to assume its correct.

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'95 E300 Diesel, 264,000 Miles. [Sold it]