What is this?

[gingerkid]

I'm still fairly new to the MB scene and I don't recognize this part. Anyways the significance is that after I cleaned it, I notice it had a oil dripping from it. Old picture, ill post a new one of it cleaned up when i get home.

* 1973 280se 4.5

Its attached to the block, passenger side next to the exhaust manifold closest to the front of the car, behind the alternator.

[Pooka]

That looks like a hydraulic chain tensioner. You would need to provide a wider shot of that part of the engine to be sure, but I cannot think of what else it might be.

There should be an oil line running to the back or side of it. Clean it up a bit and photo it again. I am guessing here, but it appears that the copper gaskets in the banjo fitting are leaking.

They can be replaced for a dollar or two.

[TnBob]

Dripping oil isnt a good thing. For what car ?

[gingerkid]

The car model would help! 1973 280se 4.5. Yea this is an old pic I cleaned it but its at home. Let me rephrase that, not like DRIPPING oil but i caught a drop of oil on the tip of it, not 100% sure of the source. Either way I felt it would be important, and a good place to know what it is. Its attached to the block, passenger side next to the exhaust manifold closest to the front of the car, behind the alternator.

[DieselPaul]

Yea that's the chain tensioner, it is filled with oil from the crankcase. You may be able to get away with a new seal, if you look around there are ways to see if they are still good. It may need replaced.

If you remove it you'll be looking into the timing case, at the back on one of the chain guides IIRC

[gingerkid]

Thanks guys. I have no experience with timing chains... Is it as simple as removing it, replacing the seal, then putting it back? Not a big deal otherwise, once I finish my air/fuel overhaul I was going to take it in the get the timing chain and other things checked out by a pro.

[tram]

It's the timing chain tensioner, and my best guess would be that your oil is leaking from the valve cover right above it.

[alabbasi]

Originally Posted by tram

It's the timing chain tensioner, and my best guess would be that your oil is leaking from the valve cover right above it.

What he said, right above it is the oil filler hole. Pressure wash it before deciding if it needs any more attention.

[Pooka]

A pressure wash is my solution to all things involving an oil leak. Just drive to a carwash and hose down that section of the engine. There is no need to do the entire thing. Just make sure the area you are cleaning is as clean as it can be.

Then drive home and lift the hood. Hey Presto! The leak will reveal its' location.

From the looks of the photo the oil is likely coming from a leaking valve cover gasket or the oil filler hole. It would be hard for it to get that gunky if it were the tensioner itself leaking.

[tram]

Originally Posted by Pooka

A pressure wash is my solution to all things involving an oil leak. Just drive to a carwash and hose down that section of the engine. There is no need to do the entire thing. Just make sure the area you are cleaning is as clean as it can be.

Then drive home and lift the hood. Hey Presto! The leak will reveal its' location.

From the looks of the photo the oil is likely coming from a leaking valve cover gasket or the oil filler hole. It would be hard for it to get that gunky if it were the tensioner itself leaking.

Right. Oil leaks down. No way it's going to flow UP and over that tensioner.

[Marrs]

Originally Posted by tram

Right. Oil leaks down. No way it's going to flow UP and over that tensioner.

Generally yes, but don't underestimate the ability for air flow under the engine to push oil around, especially with dirt and dust causing it to cling to various surfaces. Oil is made to spread itself out for lubrication, it can easily flow and absorb into locations making it look like it's coming from places it's not. Hence the engine cleaning.