I have a 91 300ce that the oil is leaking in the front of the engine. Does anyone know what it is. I think that the head gasket may be too old that is why the oil is leaking; however , it only leak in the front but not the back. That is why I am not so sure about it. Please help thanks a lot

You are asking too general a question, it could be a Head Gasket, timing chain cover or valve covers, clean the engine and run it till it leaks and find where the oil is leaking from

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Jerry

2004 SL500 Black 55K Miles
2002 s500 Black 90K Miles
1986 300E Gold 233K Miles
1966 Twin Cessna 320D
1989 Jeep Cherokee 233K Miles
1994 Ford Van E150 399K Miles

I vote for replacing the upper timing chain cover gasket (u-shaped seal). One of the characteristics of failure is that you can't see where the oil is coming from. It's hidden by all the accessories. It's also a very common problem.

But first do as Jerry said and clean the engine to make sure the leak isn't from the valve cover.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

is it difficult to replace the timing chain gasket?
thanks for your help

It's all nuts and bolts plus some technique. This is a DIY job, but a bit more advanced than doing regular maintenance. The tricky part is using the proper sealant (Loctite 5900, or MB# 002 989 73 20 10) at the corners and metal-to-metal surfaces, avoid using sealant at the u-shaped seal, and installing the cover without rolling or damaging the seal.

For more information, search using keywords "upper timing cover seal" or "u-shaped seal".

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

You could have a leaking head gasket, front timing cover seal, lower timing cover, or front main seal but likely a combination of several or all. Unless declined by the customer, I address all of these when doing the head gasket. To make a proper diagnosis you should clean the areas in question and monitor where it leaks.

Don't forget that things like the main seal is not a fix it item unless REALLY leaking.
My front seal weeps...about 1 sanitary napkins worth every 10K miles.

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82 300D....went to MB heaven
90 350 SDL....excercising con rods