My father is looking at purchasing a 1998 C230 with a minor oil leak from the top of the engine under the oil filter housing. It is very hard to see the actual location but has anyone came across a leak in the same general vincinity?

TIA,
Steve

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1997 E320
1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo (Stage X+)

Hi Steve, it's possible that the oil may have been spilled there during an oil change. I always wrap a rag around the filter housing when un-screwing the lid to prevent this from happening. If any oil is spilled in this area it gets into spots that can't be wiped off with a rag. The M111 engine in this car is one of the few MB engines that's not notorious for oil leaks.

It's hard not to spill oil when pulling the filter out, as you have to be careful of the wiring harness there. I would rather spill a little than take a chance on damaging the harness. It's most likely that either someone spilled a little or maybe the filter isn't completely tight, or did not replace the filter housing o-ring.

True. The M111 is really tight. We've had both main seals replaced, but that was due to the dealer overfilling the crankcase by about three litres! The cavitating oil wrecked the seals. I started doing my own changes, and now the engine is drum tight.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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My 98 E320 has a minor oil leak from the bottom of the oil filler neck (the black plastic neck connecting the oil filter cap to the valve cover).

At first I thought it was the oil filter cap, after replacing the oil filter cap I noticed it was leaking from between the bottom of the oil filler neck and the valve cover.

I replaced the gasket which helped alittle, my next step is to replace the oil filler neck.

Since the leak is very minor, I have been wiping the oil with a shop towel every few weeks.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

The assembly is different on the M111 four cylinder than on the M112 V-6.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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I have some oil drops from a black hose wrapped with small steel wire right underneath the fan by the stabilizer. Does anyone know what that is? The oil drops are very dark.

Thanks.

Hi wotan, it sounds like you're talking about a transmission cooling line. Make sure there's nothing leaking on it from above. If all else is OK, and the cooling line isn't loose, replace it.

How important is this cooling line to replace? If I don't do it until my next tune up in about 2 months, what is my worse case scenario?

Thanks

I've seen a lot of them "seep" a bit of ATF. It's quite common. Just make sure your ATF level is OK, and keep an eye out in case it gets worse. If it does, have it fixed. Good luck

FWIW, the M103 engines are notorious for leaking engine oil at the front camshaft cover, and that oil will get everywhere. It will soak the cooler lines, and the oil dripping off can make it look like the lines are leaking when they aren't.

OTOH, if the fluid is red, disregard above.

-anthony