2000 SL600, bad engine oil leak

[amgbenz]

I took my SL600 out of storage and drove it yesterday, after driving for 15 miles I smelled oil. I pulled over and it was leaking from the rear engine main seal.

Do anybody know why or what caused this to happen? The car has only 41,000 miles.

Thanks

Al

[TheV12pwr]

No warranty?????????

[amgbenz]

No, previous owner did not buy the extended warranty. Do you think the dealer will discount any since it happened at such low mileage? thanks for the reply.

[iwrock]

Depends, how long have you had the vehicle? Did you buy from a dealer?




You could have blown a high pressure line, but AFAIK those are up front. Are you sure its oil and not trannie fluid?

[amgbenz]

It is engine oil, positive. I brought the car from a local doctor. I have had it for about two years. The oil leak is major, I can't drive it, scared it will catch fire. After I pulled over, there was oil burning off the cats and oil was spread under the whole car. The black plastic cover on the oil pan is where the leakage is. I removed the cover and watched it drip from there.

I have never had this problem with any other MBZ, could the oil be over-filled? I use 15W40 mobil 1. What is the engine oil capacity with filter change?

Also, will a heavier/lighter grade oil slow down the leakage?

Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Al

[Gary Ganaway]

Are you sure its not leaking from the filter cannister or the oil pan drain plug since it sounds like a lot of oil is spuing out.

[tecqboy]

Do a forum search on oil leaks on the V12 engine. This engine has lot's of "problems" with oil leaks. I think it's unlikely you have a bad rear seal. Sometimes a seal will shrink a little in storage, but they usually swell up again when they get "wet". Are all the bolts tight on the oil pan? Did an animal chew through a hose while in storage? ( Don't laugh, it's been known to happen. ) If you can't pinpoint the source of the leak on your own, I'd take this one to a professional.