'97 E320 Head Gasket Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

FEARLESS · #1 07-25-2006, 09:47 PM

My E320 is suffering from the notorious oil leak at the front passenger side of the cylinder head. I've read that the leak probably originates at the upper timing cover but ends up requiring a head gasket job to correct it properly.

Has anyone tried simply retorquing the cylinder head bolts first to see if it rectifies the leak? After all, I'd hate to fork out the cash for a head gasket replacement if re-tightening the head bolts would suffice. Comments welcome.

Ted

softconsult · #2 07-25-2006, 10:17 PM

No, no , and really no.

Steve

Rahulio1989300E · #3 07-25-2006, 10:47 PM

Well, in my more optimistic opinion,

You could certainly try to retorque them, maybe you could be the first or one of the first to be able to put it off until later.

You have the straight 6 M104 engine right? I think that many memebers here with that engine expect the M104 gasket to break at a certain mileage. So it could be that it is just due now and that there is not much to do but get the proper job done.

Gilly · #4 07-25-2006, 10:50 PM

You could certainly TRY replacing the front cover seal, You should inspect it to see if it's just coming from the front cover or not.
Gilly

FEARLESS · #5 07-26-2006, 04:54 AM

Okay, I sprayed the entire area down with brake cleaner really good and got it pretty clear of oil residue. I then took the car for a 30 minute drive and reinspected it for an exact leak location. The oil appears to be exiting the engine through the seam where the upper/lower timing covers and the cylinder head/engine block meet. However, the head gasket itself seems to be weeping oil also.

Question: I believe I'll replace the rubber horseshoe gasket and reseal the timing cover tomorrow evening. Is there any harm possible from re-torquing the head bolts to factory specs while I have the timing and valve covers off?

Thanks,
Ted

Gilly · #6 07-26-2006, 05:38 AM

Yeah, you don't wanna do that, the last 2 tightening stages are angle torques, so unless you want to loosen them and start over you'll never get it right.
The oil can creep back from the lip seal making it look like a headgasket. 'Course it could actually BE the headgasket too....
Gilly