URGENT __560SEL Where are engine drains? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dpetryk · #16 08-02-2002, 09:46 AM

Its the thing that tensiones the timing chain. The bottom end is a fixed pivot point and the top is tensioned by the hydraulic piston driven by oil pressure. Yes it will fall out of place if you remove the pivot. You have to remove the right side valve cover and hold it in place when removing the pivot.

MikeTangas · #17 08-02-2002, 10:30 AM

I still think your flow of oil is from the valve cover seal.

A couple things to check for: the valve cover bolts need the small copper washers and do not need to be tightened very tight, maybe <6 ft/lbs (I use a 1/4" drive ratchet for the covers), with the cover off check the condition of the sealing edge of the head (on mine I found the exhaust manifol edge had several raised, razor sharp ridges which cleaned off nicely with a very small file) be sure the edge is smooth and flat, also watch out for the seal cathing on the top edges of the exhaust manifold gaskets, they stick up a slight bit and the gasket can hook on those which can cause a leak.

When you pull the cover take a close look at the sealing edge of the seal. If it has been sealing it should be dry. You will also see the sealing suface impression in the rubber, which will give you an idea of where it is hanging up (if it is), because the exhaust manifold gaskets will leave their mark. When putting the cover back on, you need to make sure you gently slide it up the head to make sure it doesn't hang on the exhaust gaskets.

Hope this makes sense, and helps.

#18 08-02-2002, 10:33 AM

Dave - sorry I was confused - I thought the second pix was the Backhalf of the motor not the front - Boy do i need a coffee! Do you have a pix of the back half of the motor - passenger side - up to where the head bolts on? My leak is somewhere up there. I will be doing the guides and tensioner AFTER I get this problem solved. Boy do I feel stupid - a morning coffee is a MUST for me to start thinking clearly!!
many thanks
Maurice

#19 08-02-2002, 10:51 AM

Hi Mike - Both times I took the seals off- the bottoms were flat with no markings indicating a possible oil leak. I had used an aftermarket gasket that was slightly wider and I thought that was it - so I got a genuine Mercedes gasket and put it on last night. After the initial burn off from the oil that leaked onto the exhaust which took about 20 minutes - there was no smoke - until I held the engine at about 2000 rpm for about 15 seconds - then the big plume came up from the passenger rear area of the motor. Wait a couple of minutes and the smoke stops - rev it up and - whoosh - there she is again. I always thought it was the gasket as there is a bolt that holds the tranny filler pipe at the rear of the engine just below the top of the head - sort of looks like it is screwed into the back of the head with the cover on - that I dried off and found it was wet again after about 100 miles. That is why I suspected the valve cover gasket all along. However - the first gasket was in the car for about a year and the first time I drove the car last year - when it hit operating temperature - that is when the first plume of smoke appeared. It only happens once the engine is at aoperating temp. - when the engine is cold - you can rev it up and it won't smoke - only when hot. That is why I thought the rear sealing edge of the gasket was not catching completely on the head. So I loosened the 4 bolts and pushed the valve cover gasket forward and upward as far as the bolts would allow and then tightened them. - Same thing. I too use a 1/4 drive so I won't overtighten them. When I went right under the car last night and looked up with a light - the whole rear passenger side of the motor was dripping wet with oil from somewhere up high - the only two things I can think of are - valve cover gasket or another plug leaking - if there is one. Without pulling the exhaust - it is a crap shoot - but I am afraid of broken studs - If all else fails - I will have to bite the bullet and pull it to get to the bottom of it. The only other thing I can think of is a slight crack in the valve cover that is not easily visible when cold and expands enough when hot that the splashing oil under the cover can leak out through. Everyone I have talked too have never heard of this happening - you can't get to the rear of the cover low down to check for oil.
If Dave sends a pix of the rear passenger side of the engine - it might be enlightening.
Many thanks
Maurice

dpetryk · #20 08-02-2002, 12:07 PM

Its possible that the crankcase vents are plugged and that you are building up a lot of crankcase pressure from the piston leakage. If that were the case I would expect the valve cover gasket to leak since it is not designed to hold pressure. Since it happens only when you rev the engine, try removing the oil filler cap and trying reving the engine. If no leak then check your crankcase vents, there is one on each valve cover.

#21 08-02-2002, 12:13 PM

Dave - you might be onto something - I will try that tonight. I am on holidays next week and hope to get it resolved so i can use it! Thank you for the tip!!!!:p

dpetryk · #22 08-02-2002, 12:16 PM

There is a plug below the bracket for the tranny filler.

#23 08-02-2002, 12:29 PM

Thanks for the pix Dave!!! You see that L shaped piece of metal with the bolt just under the valve cover gasket? That bolt gets wet with oil which is why I thought of valve cover gasket. You could be right about the valve cover vent - sounds more like it since I see this pix. The oil plug is too low down for where the oil starts dripping. I can hardly wait to get home and try removing the filler cap!!!

#24 08-02-2002, 06:57 PM

I take it you have pulled the motor out of one of your W126's. Why did you pull it?

Cheers
Matt.

dpetryk · #25 08-05-2002, 08:56 AM

Actually both of my 420's are doing fine. I picked up a spare 5.6 for next to nothing. Didnt really need it but just thought it would be a nice addition to my collection. I have been getting it ready to drop in at any time and I have been keeping my eye out for a 560sel that needs an engine and or transmission.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode