'88 300ce with 150K, The engine oil light comes on at idle about 1500 miles after an oil change even though the oil pressure guage reads ok. I add a quart and it goes off. I don't see any smoke from the tail pipe. Could this be valve seals? Is this an expensive repair? It is time for a "for sale" sign in the window. Thanks.

This has been discussed MANY times. Use SEARCH facility for the MANY stories.

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'91 300-SEL

Was the oil filled to the proper level when it was changed? If it was short filled, then it may seem to be consuming more oil than it actually is. The nominal refill quantity is about 6.3 quarts, but if you jack up the right rear to tilt the oil pan to drain as much as possible like I do it will take about 6.5 quarts.

Do an oil consumption test. Wait for the light to come on, then add a carefully measured HALF quart. Wait for the light to come on again and add another half quart and continue the sequence, recording the odometer reading at each addition.

You need at least 4-5 data points that show consistent mileage between half-quart additions so you can compute true oil consumption. Also check for significant oil leaks.

Valve stem seals are a common cause of oil consumption on these inline sixes, but I don't think it's worth renewing them until consumption gets down to 1000 miles per quart or less, depending on how long you plan to keep the car. If it's a "keeper", new valve stem seals now if consumption is less than 1500 miles per quart might be a good idea.

When new, my car consumed about a quart per 2000 miles, which was more than double the rate of the '84 2.3 it replaced. Mercedes upgraded the valve stem seals with better materials circa 1990, and they agreed to install the improved seals, but I waited until just prior to the end of the warranty period (just under 50K circa late '91) to have them changed. About the time I was ready, the head gasket started seeping coolant on the exhaust side, so they ended up rebuilding the entire head - all new guides, new exhaust valves, and, of course, the latest stem seals.

After the refresh it still consumed a quart about every 2000 miles and has probably increased a little since then.

Duke

my 1989ce consumes oil at about a quart every 2,000 miles... 1500 if I do higher speed driving. it has 127k on it. It's not a concern because I routinely change at 3k.

I do watch it like a hawk, looking for a drastic change. I guess 150k will be about right for a stem seal change. We'll see.

my son's 300e consumes oil at a rate slightly less than mine. It has 154k. I know it had the head gasket done a year or so before we bought it..along with the front cover seal. Don't know if the seals were done.

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

I have my oil changed at the local quick lube place and I think they are only putting in 5 quarts of oil. I can't be positive of this, I'll have to check th reciepts. That would sure explain alot. My face is red.
How much would a valve seal job cost approx?
Oh, I did do a search of "valve seal". I got alot alot of different threads but none pertaining to my issue. Thanks

check your drive way for oil leaks....

then stand behind your car and let someone start it in the moring...
first start up.... (does it have a little smoke on start up)

this means valve guide seals..

look at your engine is there oil seeping out the head gasket...

check the water is there oil in the water...


now if your car needs valve guide seals it is possible to do these with the head still on for about 50 bucks.... it will take you a saturday and you will have to do some studying....

1 quart of oil per 1000 miles is considered normal