1988 560SL oil consumption

[1729ers]

My 100,000 mile 1988 560SL is consuming/leaking over a quart a month. I know some of it is due to leaking due to my observation of the ground below the car. Would like to hear some experience/recommendations of the steps which should be taken to economically resolve the leaking/consuming problem. With all the experience out there I am certain there are more and less likely culprets. I recall reading that the valve cover gasket is the best place to start. Although not constant, I sometimes see white smoke coming from the exhaust.

[JPMOSE]

My 1987 560SL (Hilda) was using about a quart every 600 miles at 86k miles. After the repairs I am about to discuss, consumption dropped to around 1/8 quart after 3000 miles (I use 15W-50 Mobil 1 synthetic).

I had a leak in the main rear engine seal, oil level sending unit, and slight leak from the distributor seal. The transmission also leaked. So, I had the transmission pulled, resealed, new reverse clutches (since they can go out earlier than the other clutches and they are the first ones on the rack...tranny was out anyway..so why not...) and replacement of the rear main engine seal....cost was around $1100-1200 for all of that (also fluid and filter changed on the tranny). The seal for the oil level sending unit would be a major job to replace, as the oil pan isn't easy to remove on a 560SL (I believe the engine has to be jacked up...the cost would be way over $1k).....so, the sending unit was removed (from outside of engine) and carefully resealed (what sealer was used I am not sure of) and reinserted. It started to leak again (within a couple of days). Hence, they performed the task a second time and it has successful! This leak is a royal pain in ass, as the oil will travel down and hit the exhaust. I cannot stand smelling traces of engine oil burning....or even worse...seeing traces of smoke. I feel like I am driving an old bomb! The cost of distributor seal was $50....level sending unit repair was $25.

Last but not least, I had the valve stem seals replaced and this I believe was the major cause of my oil consumption...the cost was $550 to $600.

My mechanic may give me a break for years of utilizing his shop but my quoted prices (July 2006) would be MUCH HIGHER at a MB dealer.

I hope this helps.