rbellamy1

this update regarding oil weight certainly adds to the concept of thinner oils not being such a good idea, IMH opinion.

I used to live in Colorado and I think it is a demanding environment for cars, and then add driving into the mountains. If I lived there I wouldn't use anything other than at least a 10W-40. I just put Mobil 1 15W-50 in the 210k mile 190E and I was absolutely amazed with the results. No oil consumption (maybe tiny) but the engine is smoother and quieter.

My 300E that now has 214k miles was using oil and I was also getting prepared to do "the valve" job. I ignored the small front upper timing cover seeping.

I decided to try one of the "high mileage" oils, specifically Valvoline's MaxLife. Consumption improve from 1,200 miles per quart to about 2,000 miles. I was impressed. Maybe it does condition the valve stem seals.

Additionally, in reading through the postings on this forum, I found that some people had mentioned that some engines seem to loose about a 1/2 quart of oil (measuring from the full mark on the dipstick) and then kind of stop. Others talk about making sure the car is on a truly level surface when checking and wait several minutes for drip down.

So I now only measure the oil level when the engine is cold, in the mornings and has had a chance to fully drip off the engine.

A month or so ago I replaced the upper cover seal, not too bad a job really, and I have not yet added oil in over 3,000 miles.

Hope this helps,

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Update:
I went ahead and had the valve stem seals replaced and have since gone over 1000 miles without needing to top off the oil. This represents at least a 10-fold improvement. I've noticed some sluggishness with the response when trying to accelerate, but I'm not sure if this is just the nature of the smaller 6-cylinder engine in such a heavy car, or if there might be some additional clean-up work to be done... maybe the cat converter (from earlier oil consumption), oxygen sensor, fuel pump... any ideas? I replaced the plugs already and she runs smooth. Car fires up great first time every time and has never stalled,so doubt any kind of ignition issue... just sometimes slow to respond to depressed pedal. She's got 105k. Apart from this, I think I've finally got all under-the-hood issues resolved (knock on wood), so now I've got her in the shop for a little exterior touch up. A little dashboard repair and some new rims are next, then, finally, maybe I can get some pictures up onto the 126 roll call.

I have a 91 300E 4matic 130K miles. I was starting to add 1 QT every 800 -1K miles while using Synthetic Oil. My neighbor has 2 MB 300E Models with alot more miles (6Cyl gas) and he adds oil constantly.

I refered my problem to a MB master mechanic and said that is caused by bad valve seals and worn guides. He belives that for that engine a valve job is standard engine maintenace at about 125-135 K. I believe him and as stated by others as it gets worst their are repercutions. The neighbors solution is just keep adding alot of cheap oil. I don't agree.

I thought I would try Valvoline's MAXLIFE, because it's claim to fame is it will swell the seals and stop oil consumption. I gave it a shot and to my suprise after 2,500 miles I have not added oil.............. How long will this be effective? Would this work on a MB that eats alot of oil? It appears to have worked great for me and forstalled the need for a Valve Job..

P.S. I have had great success with MINOR tranny seal leaks using Valvoline ATF Stop Leak.