Mr. Goodfahrt,

Thanks for the narrative! Sounds like you had a good time figuring out all the parts. The center section of the string of icons is blanked out, usually with something like a strip of 35mm or smaller exposed/developed negative material. I think this area gets some other icon or instrument, like an outside air temperature indicatior, on models in Europe if it is ordered. I have had problems getting this piece back in place in the past.

The oil leak at the gage connection has bitten many of us, but it is not the only source of oil in the area. The vacuum lines to the starting switch can also be a source of oil.

Welcome to the board and thanks for the contribution. Photos always help, and you need to keep them below the 60 or 65 kB file size limit, and the maximum length/width screen size (800x600, I believe) and they post here just fine. Others post links to a separate web site with fewer restrictions when the photos do not convey the detail under the board size limits. Good luck, and thanks, Jim

__________________
Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)