Oil leaking from my 560SL - head gasket?

[sshanky]

I've had my 1989 560SL for 10 years, and in that time, have put about 40k miles on it. It's reading 185k now. I haven't driven it a lot this year, and recently took it out for a few days. When I pulled it out of the garage, I noticed a large oil stain under the car. It wasn't fresh oil, but instead looked like it was dripping slowly over time, with leaves and debris stuck to it. No big deal.

But a few days after taking the car out for the evening, I noticed a large oil puddle flowing to the side of the car, past the front left tire. I put a piece of cardboard under the car, and over the next 2 days, just a few more drips came out, so the majority of the leak must have happened very soon after driving it.

I brought the car to my general mechanic this week (he's not a mercedes specialist), and he called to tell me he thinks the problem is the left head gasket. He took some pictures, which I've attached here.

In the time I've had the car, it's always dripped a few drops of oil here and there, but never have I seen a large puddle flowing like I did recently. Not sure what to do here, or what it will cost, but would love some opinions and feedback. Thanks.

Thanks.

[SunGuy]

What brand and viscosity oil are you using?

[sshanky]

I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know. It's been a while since the last oil change, and each time I have the oil changed, I can't decide which type of oil to put in.

[karburn]

A common source of oil leakage on the 560SL are the cam cover gaskets. It seeps and flows backwards, making it look like it's coming from the heads. I have already replaced the driver side, now the other side cover gasket it seeping. Check those FIRST before letting anyone mess with the heads. I would rather pay the cost of replacing the gaskets first to make sure this was the issue rather than commit to big bucks with the heads.

Another common leak is the front transmission seal. It can seep down onto the motor/trans area and make it look like an oil leak.

Last tip: FIND an independent mechanic shop that is intimately familiar with Mercedes Benz. The techs at most of the dealers today have zero experience with the older cars, and will start replacing parts until they stumble upon the actual problem.

Good luck.

PS: Use regular 10W40 oil. NOT synthetic. These motors were not designed for syn oil and you will see leaks that you never imagined if you use it. I use Valvoline 10W40 conventional oil. Wal-Mart!!

[HT560SL]

I am having the same issue with my '88. Pretty consistent engine oil leak. I can't get underneath the car to pinpoint the leak so it looks like I may need to go to a shop to take a look.

[SunGuy]

Originally Posted by HT560SL

I am having the same issue with my '88. Pretty consistent engine oil leak. I can't get underneath the car to pinpoint the leak so it looks like I may need to go to a shop to take a look.

Same question as earlier...what type, (synthetic or conventional) and weight/viscosity oil is in the engine now?

[karburn]

Before you take the car to anyone, try to clean it up as much as you can. Not meaning for you to power-wash the engine and underside, but cleaning it up can help identify just where the leak might be coming from.

I put my car up on ramps, crawled underneath with a can of spray carburetor cleaner and some rags and went at it. All these fluids will travel; dripping and running along hoses, frame members, braces, etc., so the only way to really see what is going on is to clean it up.

Good luck

[JPMOSE]

Another common leak is the oil level sensor, which is located on the right side -- near the oil filter housing. Replacing it requires removal of the oil pan (which requires raising the engine)!! This job is easily $2,500 plus.

My mechanic was successful at cleaning it well and sealing it overnight with one of the Hi Temp silicone seals. It's now been 6 years and it is still holding! But I've read where others have tried this with no success.

Hopefully, the leak is elsewhere!!