oil leak in vicinity of IP - 603

[wheelguru]

Anyone besides Plantman had to deal with this? Got the car last weekend, drove it 1600 miles. went through 1 qt of oil. 6 inch puddle on the ground after 1 1/2 highway drive, only a few drips after driving around town. I will clean out the area as best I can this weekend to attempt to close in on the exact location. Anyone with prior experience would be very helpful, I can't find anything in the shop manual that has been of use... yet.
thanks, Andy

[Habanero]

Some have mentioned the gasket on the bottom plate of the IP leaking, as well as the side plate gasket. I think the side plate gasket is easy to change. I had heard the one on the bottom required pulling the IP. But, last night I was laying under mine without the oil cooler lines and realized I was looking right at the bottom plate of the IP. So, it may be possible to change that gasket as well relatively easy.

[md21722]

When you tell us what kind of car you have and where the leak is we may be able to help. A recent '87 190DT that I bought would have a BIG leak on the ground but it was from the oil level sending unit (side of the oil pan, below the IP). The bottom IP gasket can be done with it in the car I'm told, but it takes time as there isn't much room to take the bolts out. If thats the leak I'd definitely try to do it with the pump in the car. Installing/retiming the pump is not fun for most people.

[md21722]

dieseldiehard,

What makes you think you need a valve job, lifters, GPs, and a radiator? Valve work is not usually needed on these engines. Lifters can make noise & synthetic oil can take that noise away sometimes it takes 10-15Kmi to do so. Some lifters will never quiet and those need to be replaced. Its only necessary to replace collapsed lifters. Sounds like you are throwing $$$$ at the engine when it may only new a few $. Does the upper rad hose hold pressure for more than 12 hours? If so, and the head casting number on your engine between cyls 2-3 says "14 01" at the end of the part number I'd consider reading up on the head cracking problem these engines have.

Regards,

[wheelguru]

DUH!. sorry, I forgot to mention that the car is a 300sdl, just got it last weekend. -andy

[md21722]

dieseldiehard,

It was not my intention or hidden suggestion to say what you were doing was incorrect. I hope I did not step on any toes. From your message I got the impression you were throwing parts at it just because, but that isn't the case. Good luck with your new car.