Yesterday my minimum oil level light came on. When added 1.5 qts of oil I noticed a light brown substance on the oil filler cap. It was about the color of a chocolate milkshake. I have heard this is a sympton of headgasket problems. The car stil runs well. Has anyone experienced this on their 210?
How long can I drive the car as my mechanic is closed for the weekend?
Thanks

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Donwo
1999 SL 500 Sport (30K miles)
1998 E320 (SOLD)
1989 560SL (SOLD)
1987 300E (TOTALED)
1986 300E (SOLD)
1984 300SD (SOLD)

Is there any oil in the coolant?

Personally I wouldn't drive it at all. An overheated engine is an expense you don't want.

TONS of these engines do this. Dont let it scare you off. Have it checked if you are uncertain but more than likely its just moisture getting in around the filler neck/cap.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
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1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Agreed, the 112/113 engines are famous for this occurring even in marginally cool conditions. The oil filler (under the cap) is plastic and insulates the cap from engine heat, so it becomes a collection point for condensation. I've heard that immediately after a long trip that it won't be there, but after shorter trips, even trips that get the engine up to operating temp for awhile, it will be there. It might collect on the dipstick also.
Gilly

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To be sure, do a chemical analysis of the coolant and engine oil. Otherwise, as Gilly said, its not uncommon problem in the frost belt to see the milkshake problem.

If you do short drives less than 5 miles one way in cold temperature, there may be 'milkshake' buildup under the oil filler cap. This is not necessarily an impending head gasket failure. I occasional see this in my E320 between Jan-april as my daily drive is only 2 miles. In summer, nothing under the cap. First observed about 4 years ago.

Howver, you may want to change the $0.2 gasket seal under the filler cap, Also checked your oil filter seal and cap fit.


oh BTW, you added 1.5q of makeup oil? I wonder...these cars don't like to be overfilled.

It sounds like you may have a case of "minor sludging", as defined by MB standards. At this point, checking for proper crankcase ventilation would be a good idea. If any of the passages in the valve covers or vent lines become even partially restricted, the efficiency of the ventilation system will be affected. When this happens, excessive crankcase pressure will lead to increased oil consumption.

I've followed the MB guidelines to successfully remedy this problem many times. The good news is that it's cheap, and you can probably do it yourself. The valve covers should be removed and any visible sludge (if any) cleaned out. The oil separators should be checked and cleaned as well. After everything is back together, all it takes is a couple of oil and filter changes in rapid succession, with some hard driving in between. It's important that the engine reach operating temperature, and stay there for at least one hour. The car doesn't need to be driven for an hour, it just needs to stay running. MB says repeating this process three times will do the trick.

If it were my car, I'd drive it for a few days between oil changes, but that's just my personal opinion.

ILUVMILS: Thanks for raising the "minor sludging" problem, Now am worried!! In my case it goes away after the winter. I change oil 6 months/8000 miles whichever comes first.

I may want to investigate the partially restricted vent system.

Can I clean the vent system without removing the valve cover? Can I use a looooong brush to clear the passages? or removing the cover is the only way.

BTW, I only add the remaining 0.5q oil between oil changes. I know there is no excessive oil consumption ( I think).

PA2TU, you're wise to change the oil and filter more frequently than MB recommends. As long as you're using an approved oil, this will greatly lessen the chance of sludging. Most of the sludged engines I see haven't been serviced in a timely manner. Based on your oil consumption (.5 quart/8,000 miles) I don't think you have anything to worry about.