Greetings,

Vehicle: 1988 300TE
Purchase date: August 1999 @ 107K miles.
Repairs: new tires, muffler, brakes.

Major repair: April 2000 @125K valve job for $2200 at local MB dealer. (The service manager did mentioned that I might need to spend more money if the pistons or cylinder walls are worn, but he said it was ok then)
And the repair has 12 months unlimited milage warranty.

Problem #1: Everything went ok since the valve job done. In mid-July, 2000, the low engine oil light is on again (it has been OK for 3 months and 2500 miles).

Question: what is wrong this time? I am afraid the dealer will charge me all the labors to re-do the pistons, etc. Is it possible they didn't do a good to fixed the worn valve guides?

Problem #2: I went to do my emission test this morning and I failed. The report says HC and CO value is much higher than allowed.
Is this related to my engine's burning oil?
I briught the car to the MB dealer and they said they need to spend at 2 hours to run thru computer to do diagnostics on the engine, exhaust, fuel system, injectors, etc... Will simply replace O2 sensor fix the problem?

Thanks.

Kevin C.
1988 300TE 127K

You may have a simple problem. I would have a knowledgeable tech look at this though, not a hungry one. The tech needs to assess the problem...The oil consumption can be a result of diluted oil from a rich condition. This would explain the high HC and CO... Have this checked.

------------------
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

With older cars, like yours or mine, I found that independent mechanics are by far better than dealers in working with this cars (with few exceptions). Talk to other MB owners in your area. Once you find a GOOD independent MB mechanic (if you like him), stick with him. It will be usually cheaper (fixed right the first time) and you can talk with him directly. Not through a third person(service advisor).
Just a friendly advice.
Good luck!
J.H.
86 300E

Thanks for your info, Bensmac.

Could you explain more since I am not familiar with the problems:

>> The oil consumption can be a result of diluted oil from a rich condition. This would explain the high HC and CO in failing the emission test.

Question 1: What do you mean "diluted oil" from a "rich" condition?

Providing more details about my car might help find the real problem:

Since the valve job done in mid-April, I changed oil twice myself (every 3000 miles, so I actually drive about 6000 miles, not 2500 miles I mentioned above, sorry).
I used Pennzoil 10W30 and Mobil 1 10W30 which I bought at Wal-mart for about $1.1/qt. I did put a MB oil filter on at the first oil change. But I couldn't get the oil filter off the 2nd oil change so I didn't change the oil filter (Will that cause the problem?). My driving are about 70% hiway, and I like to cruise at 80-100mph. Did I do something wrong?

I just went to MB dealer to have an oil change per the service manager's suggestion and he wants to see how soon the Low Engine Oil light will come back on.

BTW, does anybody know any knowledgeable independent MB mechanic in NW surburb of Chicago ??

I like my car, everything works finely (except sometimes (twice a month) stalling at stop light, will post this problem later) and fuel economy has been 20mpg constantly. I'd like to correct this oil consumption and emission test problem,

Thanks for reading!

Kevin C.
1988 300TE 127K

What I believe he means is that your vehicle is probably running its fuel mixture to rich. this will cause the carbon monoxide (CO) content and potentially the hydrocarbon (HC) levels to be excessive. To much fuel in the combustion chambers reduce your piston rings from sealing properly and allows oil to pass and to be burned. Unless you are familar with all that is invalved with air/fuel relationships you should have your vehicle looked at by someone with the correct equiptment. It should be inexspensive. <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PU_IE_1998:
Greetings,

Vehicle: 1988 300TE
Purchase date: August 1999 @ 107K miles.
Repairs: new tires, muffler, brakes.

Major repair: April 2000 @125K valve job for $2200 at local MB dealer. (The service manager did mentioned that I might need to spend more money if the pistons or cylinder walls are worn, but he said it was ok then)
And the repair has 12 months unlimited milage warranty.

Problem #1: Everything went ok since the valve job done. In mid-July, 2000, the low engine oil light is on again (it has been OK for 3 months and 2500 miles).

Question: what is wrong this time? I am afraid the dealer will charge me all the labors to re-do the pistons, etc. Is it possible they didn't do a good to fixed the worn valve guides?

Problem #2: I went to do my emission test this morning and I failed. The report says HC and CO value is much higher than allowed.
Is this related to my engine's burning oil?
I briught the car to the MB dealer and they said they need to spend at 2 hours to run thru computer to do diagnostics on the engine, exhaust, fuel system, injectors, etc... Will simply replace O2 sensor fix the problem?

Thanks.

Kevin C.
1988 300TE 127K

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>