Poll: Diesel Decision - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TX76513 · #1 08-11-2006, 11:03 AM

Diesel Opinion Question

I am religious about oil analysis and have this done on everything I own that has 4 or more every 25K miles or once a year which ever is applicable. My results came back on the SDL last week and it appears I have a trace amount of anti-freeze

. This is not a surprise, as I have had to add 6 0z. +/- every now and then during oil changes – but not every oil change. The lab wrote some comments that it’s only a trace amount and that no actual liquid was present but the elements of. My gut says it probably a head gasket but whether is that or a crack the work is all pretty much the same just the wallet gets thinner. The car is not a consistent gulper of anti-freeze. Even with the last trip to the TX GTG I kept an eye on the reservoir each morning and it didn’t gulp and ounce in 800+ miles and I wasn’t lolly-gagging to and fro.

So the question to my respectable group of peers are listed above and of course I am soliciting your candid thoughts as well. The SDL is in fair shape and I always have maintained I would crate a motor if it went south on me. How far to go? Or sit on my laurels and see what happens later.

R Leo · #2 08-11-2006, 11:09 AM

John, what's your question? Crate or not to crate?

TX76513 · #3 08-11-2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R Leo

John, what's your question? Crate or not to crate?

I guess it posted the question before I was done creating the Poll questions

Should have had a #5 - I have a better idea.

R Leo · #4 08-11-2006, 11:25 AM

So this is the first time that traces of coolant have come up in the analysis? If so, I'd monitor the coolant consumption and have another analysis done at the usual time/miles before ripping into it.

It takes three points make a trend so even a third analysis might be a good idea.

Of course, any sign of increased glycol intake would change that plan considerably.

fastpakr · #5 08-11-2006, 11:27 AM

Agreed. If all you're seeing is trace amounts, I'd just keep an eye on the dipstick for slime every few days and if it stays clear, hold out for the next oil sample results.

Brian Carlton · #6 08-11-2006, 11:37 AM

The '86 has some sodium and potassium that probably should not be there. The last change reflected a drop to "normal levels". The test for glycol remains negative.

I'm sure not tearing into this engine until I get some significant drops in the coolant and a confirmation of glycol in the oil.

If it ain't broke.........don't fix it.

jrgslg · #7 08-11-2006, 04:14 PM

John,I think would to wait for your next analysis to see if this trend is showing more amounts of glycol in it.You may want to move your next analysis up to a sooner date if you feel uneasy knowing something has just appeared for the first time.These samples are pretty amazing,when I worked at a former aircraft engine manufacturer the oil sample came back saying something with 100 percent aluminum was showing up on the oil sample.Problem was there was nothing 100 percent aluminum in the engine.Engineering had the engine removed and torn down,come to find out someone had used aluminum tape to seal something off ,and all the tape didnt get removed prior to reassembly .And a piece (very very small) had gotten in the oil system and showed up on the first oil sample after re-installation.Good luck,Johnny

Hatterasguy · #8 08-11-2006, 07:08 PM

I'd continue to moniter the situation. When it gets worse, to the point where the lab red flags it then pull the head.

Why install a crate engine if its only a $100 head gasket that needs changing?

I love spending money on my SDL but thats a bit much even for me.

dannym · #9 08-11-2006, 08:13 PM

When you contacted the company who did the analysis for you what did they say?

Danny

engatwork · #10 08-11-2006, 08:21 PM

How many miles are on the engine?

TX76513 · #11 08-14-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

How many miles are on the engine?

276,xxx

Clear majority here

Changed oil over weekend and will get another analysis on next service. I will scan and post the last OA. It's not scaring me as the SDL and I will go on a 5 day hiatus to New Orleans Wed.

Thanks for the input.

View Poll Results: Diesel Head Options
Do another oil analysis later and see what happening	16	72.73%
Jump in and fix what is wrong and button it up	1	4.55%
Do a complete head rebuild and all exposed wearables	2	9.09%
Do the entire motor while you have the top half open.	3	13.64%
Voters: 22. You may not vote on this poll