603 Oil Leak Thread

[WANT '71 280SEL]

Soon I'd like to start a 300SDL revival thread with many pictures of the procedures that I do, but that will have to wait for now. Anyways, I started this thread so as to eliminate my many oil leaks. I've gone 2k miles since the last change and my level is still pretty much to the top, but oil leaks are my
biggest automotive pet peeve.

First, the rear main seal is leaking on my 300SDL, which I have noted by the dripping oil from the bottom of the bell housing. I did a search and saw a post in Hattie's tranny re-seal thread by GSXR, and he mentioned the flywheel lock tool and a special sleeve. If I were to pull the tranny back towards the rear or if I pulled it completely out of the car, will the seal be accessible? I ask because I know on some MB cars the crank has to be raised. Also, is it a radial seal just like the front main one?

Second, my front main seal is leaking. I've replaced this seal on my brother's 601 engine, so I gather the hub/balancer setup will be close enough that I can figure it out. However, how does one remove the fan clutch? The 603 uses a different set up there than the 603.

Third, is my oil pan. I'll get the procedure for this off the CD and will post if anyone is interested regarding this. I don't really need the procedure so much as the torque values and tightening sequence. Does the sequence matter very much and what should the bolts be tightened to?

Fourth, and I think my last group, my IP seems to be leaking oil from around the bottom. I'm going to go out and take some pics then post them here to see just what I should do.

Are there any more seals that could leak on these cars?

Thanks
David

[WANT '71 280SEL]

Pics...

1=stop lever, never knew a lever could leak???
2=is that diesel on top of IP? It's not black like oil, and certainly doesn't belong there...
3=oil leak at the bottom of the IP? is there a gasket to replace for the bottom cover? Can it be done on the car?
4+5=oil on top of waterpump. What around there would put oil there?

Thanks
David

[Hatterasguy]

Can you pull the oil pan without to much trouble on these? Mine has a very slight weep coming from the upper edge, just enough to make the seam dirty.

I have no idea how to seal IP leaks, I would like to know also because my bottom cover is leaking.

Then their is a mystery leak by the turbo I havn't figured out yet.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

I also have some sort of mystery leak by the turbo. I haven't looked too far into it, but I want to get my car to the point that I can park it in a driveway and not mark my spot.
Thanks
David

[Hatterasguy]

I know what you mean, my engine is pretty dry none of the leaks I have are bad enough to drip. But my trans, I can't wait for it to warm up I want to seal that thing up. Leaving 6in puddles everywhere gets old.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

I think the only things that are actually leaving any puddles, though not 6 inches, are my front and rear crank seals. Then again I also need to pull of my lower engine compartment cover to double check all that stuff.

Thanks
David

[Ralph Burnette]

I have seen several references to IP with the 603
engine. Would someone tell me what it is, what it looks
like and where it is?

I have found an oil leak on my 93 300SD under where
the crossover pipe is. I am trying to figure out what is
causing it and how to fix it.

Thanks.

[Brian Carlton]

Originally Posted by Ralph Burnette

I have seen several references to IP with the 603
engine. Would someone tell me what it is, what it looks
like and where it is?

The "IP" is the injection pump. It's on the driver's side of the engine tucked in below the manifold. There are six steel fuel lines that protrude from the top of it via six fittings. It's the heart of the engine. You can't miss it.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

This is an old thread! Well, for the archives though it is said elsewhere as well, there is an o-ring on the stop lever. It is the exact same (or close enough) as the small o-ring that is given to you with a new spin on fuel filter. I know GSXR says it elsewhere on the forum, but just a little FYI. Mine is still bone dry 10k miles later.

Thanks
David