WHERE is my oil going? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

brookspw · #1 03-28-2002, 09:58 PM

I have a 1991 190E 2.6 that looks and runs great. However, I am using about 1 quart of oil every 900 to 1,000 miles.

I have NO smoke of any kind from the exhaust. I have NO dripping underneath. I have NO discoloration in the coolant -- it is very clean. I do have just a little leakage from the front engine seals -- very small, though, and not enough for it to accumulate and leak.

Where, exactly, is my oil going?

brookspw

#2 03-28-2002, 10:26 PM

It's probably being cooked in the catalytic converter. My guess is that you're due for a valve job. Don't let it go too long or you'll be buying a new cat too. My 300E was doing the same thing. Just had new guides and seals installed....switched to Mobil 1 and doesn't use or leak a drop (126K mi).

#3 03-28-2002, 10:33 PM

Your oil is going in invisible smoke at the back of the car.
Like the previous reply said, you are due for a valve job (guides/seals.) I just went through this routine 2 weeks ago on my 260E.This will also fix you oil leak as the head gasket will be replaced along with the front cover seal.
While you are there, have the timing belt checked. Mine was stretched quite a bit as the tensioner was at the limit
new plugs, distributor cap, rotor, wires and your good for an other 100,000mi
Good luck
JackD

brookspw · #4 03-28-2002, 10:55 PM

What was the bill for the valve job for the two of you?

bobbyv · #5 03-28-2002, 11:41 PM

according to MB, 1qt/1000mi is normal oil consumption.

same consumption rate with my 1989 204,000km 190e2.6

oldsouth · #6 03-28-2002, 11:43 PM

Just a post to subscribe. I am curious how much it cost also.

joe p · #7 03-29-2002, 08:53 AM

These make a huge difference in the way a 103 runs.

Machine shop $200.00 or so
Guides and Seals $80.00 or so
Gasket Set up to $150.00 (I use aftermarket on my cars, $60.00)
Depending on milage, I'd replace the chain stuff.
Chain $30.00
Tensioner insert $30.00
Front seal $6.00
Guides/Rails $35.00

Most shops get 10 to 15 hours for this, replace the little bypass hose between the water pump and head while your there. I also replace the plastic vacum line for the EGR and Air pump as well. Look carefully at the cap and rotor, replace as needed.

And in case your wondering, I've got 2 124 wagons that got the same treatment, one at 166k, the other at 176k.

The timing chain requires a tool to swedge the thing together after you route it. 103's are pretty easy on chains but, your right there and a ounce of prevention..........

Joe

Jim Anderson · #8 03-29-2002, 11:11 AM

You have to burn an awful lot of oil to see it smoke, way more than 1000 miles a quart. My 190 used a little more that your's did, I changed the valve guide seals but it didn't change it. I switched to a higher viscosity oil (20w50) that dropped the oil consumption and based on normal oil consumption stopped worring about it. I was just anoyed that I had a Peugeot diesel with 266,000 miles on it that used a fraction of that.

#9 03-29-2002, 12:09 PM

I had the job done on my 260E (314,000Km or 195,000mi) 2 weeks ago.
it burned 1qt per 500/600mi, without any visible smoke.
Complete valve job, guides, replaced 3 valves (valve stems worn), Replaced camshaft (3 lobes badly worn), 3 valve rockers, timing chain, tensionner, cap, rotor, spark plugs, wires, thermostat, gaskets/seals sets, air filter, oil change"
Total cost: $Can2,800 or $US 1,800. (parts and labour)
It really changed the way the car drives. Looks like I gained back 25/30HP. Runs smooth as a Benz now.
At 1 qt. per 1000mi, your oil consumption is still quite acceptable. I.d wait until something more serious develops, if youy can live with the small leak.
JackD

Mike Richards · #10 03-29-2002, 12:41 PM

Before you dump big $$$$ on a VALVE JOB, consider what Steve Brotherton had to say in this thread:

Average price for a valve job

According to another post that M.B.DOC replied to a long time ago, MB switched to an improved valve guide in April of 1988. Your car is much later than that. It has the improved guides. Alot of 103 motors use a qt. every 1000 miles. If your spark plugs are dry and the car runs good, buy some extra oil and use the money for something else.

brookspw · #11 03-29-2002, 01:58 PM

The info on this board is just great. Keep it coming!

brookspw

brookspw · #12 03-30-2002, 02:00 PM

After reading the link to STEVEBFL's comments on the noted link, I'm hoping that I just need new valve seals. Regarding the post that said my catalytic converter could get stopped up if I continue just to feed the engine oil -- what is the experience of those on this board concerning this?

brookspw

#13 04-04-2002, 11:08 PM

let me get this straight.1 quart of oil every 1000 miles?that is normal?that cant be right!if it is maybe i should start shopping for a lexus.my 89 300 se is using close two 2 quarts every 3000 miles please someone tell me that this is not normal!!!would valve seals be the cause of that much oil???iam totally lost and disgusted.by the way my car has 110000 on the clock is it also time for a chain???

Mike Murrell · #14 04-05-2002, 12:00 AM

The timing chains on the M103 motors(89 300SE) are known to last a LONG time. If you've done 3000 mi. oil/filter changes and haven't driven like a moon shiner, I would doubt your chain needs replacing.

#15 04-05-2002, 07:19 AM

My 190e 147,000 miles dosent use any oil at all......strange.

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