I've got a small oil leak on my '98 E320. The drip forms on the lower bolt on the compressor. I traced it back to the part circled in red on the attached circle. It's between the crankshaft and power steering. Can anyone tell me what it is? I assumed it was just a pulley, but then why would there be a oil leak?

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1998 E320 120K mi
1991 Miata 80K mi
2001 Ranger 109K mi

That is your tensioner (sp?) pulley. That's not the source of your leak. Check your valve covers and oil filler cap and neck. Those all went south on my 98 CLK 320 M112.

The valve covers look clean, and the oil filler cap & neck looked good on first inspection (I'll check again since you mentioned it).

An oily buildup is around the bolts for what I think is a pully. Assuming it is a pully, then you're right, I need to look elsewhere.

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1998 E320 120K mi
1991 Miata 80K mi
2001 Ranger 109K mi

Also, it could be power steering fluid. The resevoir is located above the area you mentioned.....

Thanks for the suggestions, keep 'em coming. The power steer pump looks clean too. I'll look around the oil filter assy. again, but it looks good from the top. This one's frustrating.

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1998 E320 120K mi
1991 Miata 80K mi
2001 Ranger 109K mi

There is a small cover plate with a plug in it held on by two torx bolts with a rubber gasket behind it, chances are its leaking. Clean the front of the engine, spray the area with tracing powder and run the engine untill the leak develops again.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
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