Dash Oil Leak

My 78 300D has (apparently since some time) sprung an oil leak in the dash
area. the entire underside on the driver's side is soaked with an oily
substance. It drips on the break pedal (and pant legs). It is also evident
around the ignition key area. Does the vacuum lock system run through this
area. Could it be a bad vacuum pump that's somehow backing up? The vacuum
lock system does not work on this car. Or, could it be the line from the oil pressure guage? I've never rempved the instrument cluster on the 78 300D. Is it as easy as removing the one on the 300SD? Any suggestions?
TIA.



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Tom Lyttle
91 350SDL
82 300SD
78 300D

I had the same problem with my 83 300CD, it was the (mechanical) oil pressure gauge in the instrument cluster, replaced the instrument cluster, I left the work to my mechanic.

Good luck.

I had the inst cluster of my 75 280c out the other day. It should pull right out . There is an oil pressure line that may just need to be tightened up. That is the first line you come to and you wont have to detach the speedometer. If it has been pulled out before it should come out easily.Hope it is that easy!

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Tom
You will need a set of dash hooks to pull the cluster,disconnect speedo cable and check it where is oil leak come from .....oil line? gauge?ingition shut
off switch?it could be a faulty vacuum pump
clean all vacuum lines & replace all vacuum fitings....rubber don't like oil.
hope this help.


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MB STARS Master Guild Technician,12 years MB tech
5 years independent shop owner