of the inside of the top timing chain cover off of a 104 engine that was getting oil droplets into the coolant and was not leaking internally. Notice the amount of sealant that was used - wow. Thank goodness it was Loctite 5900 or it could have broken off and done all kinds of damage in the oil passages. I mean this stuff is on there hard. Also, to the techs that have sealed one of these back up - is that some type of adhesive I see in the "o-ring". I figured something was used there to hold the o-ring into place. Actually looks like 3M weatherstrip adhesive. In addition, there is another colored sealant, same color as Ultra Copper, at the very back edge corners of the top front cover to the head/block interface.

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Jim

Gilly,

Maybe there is Bermuda Triangle in Southern Wisconsin, whoch is why I am glad I was born way up North in Ashland, Wis. I don't disagree with you about the oil in the water. As I mentioned, MB for some unknown reason grouped the three passages right together. I'm only saying that out here on the left coast, oil saturates the right rear section of the block way before the oil in the water.At least that has been my experience. Once you replace the gasket and put some decent guides in, the 103 stops leaking and using oil and is a good engine.

Peter

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

On my 102 the series of events happened as described by Peter above. First I got the rear leak, very slight. It never really turned into a leak per say. No puddles or spots on the drive way ever! It just slowly over the period of a year soaked the rear of the head all the way down to the oil pan.
Eventually, months later, I started to notice 'caramel' and 'chocolate' oil globs appearing in the coolant. Car is now in the shop getting engine rebuilt. I decided to fix everything while I was in there.

Not disagreeing with any of you. Just explaining my experience and hope it helps someone.