I had my 'new' 300 SD in for a 'pre purchase' inspection..after I had bought it anyway.

The svc. manager commented on the oil leaks/oil in the air filter as possible problems. From what I've gathered here, the MB Diesels leak oil to some extent. My engine block needs to be cleaned, but there are no "drips" just what appears to be seepage.

The way the air filtration is set up, with the (PVC?) valve being routed back into the air filter, wouldn't some oil in that compartment be expected?

Also, how hard is it to adjust valves? they quoted about $150, every 15K miles. That sounded reasonable, but would like to do it myself

Thanks in advance!
Lou

__________________
83 SD 143 K miles
93 Grand Caravan 130K miles
92 Buick Regal (winter car)

It's a real pain, if you don't have the proper tools! I did it myself this weekend in a total of about 4 hours. I am going to invest in a set of the adjusting wrenches.

A friend sent me an e-mail from Richard Easley regarding the valve adjustment process and things to pay attention to. It mainly said to be meticulous and make sure that you tighten down the lock nut and adjuster nut or you'll trash your engine, i.e. valve and piston meeting when they shouldn't.

I have read many times that it is normal to have some oil in the air filter housing. Their is a device in the housing that collects oil from the gases coming from the valve cover on my '85 300CD. The oil is then returned to the engine via a tube under the air cleaner housing. I suppose its hard not to have some oil seepage into the housing. Mine has just a little in the bottom from time to time.

Oil leakage is also normal apparently. Many owners speak of that as a "mark" of the old diesels. You can try to isolate the different leaks and deal with them systematically but most owners just avoid parking where it causes problems. My car doesn't leak much at all and for that I am thankful.

Nic in SC

Greetings,

The first valve adjustment may take you an hour or so to do because it's new for you, unless you're a mechanic and have done them in the past. For the type of money you say they want to complete this task it's worth my time as well as money saved to do it myself. If you plan on keeping the car for any length of time you may want to buy the offset pair of wrenches for the job at http://www.************************ , but regular 14mm seems to work for me just fine except a little more time is needed on the back cylinder because of location. For $75 an hour like you've been quoted I'll adjust your valves. Save the money, get your hands oily, and keep your fingers in touch with what your Benz needs to stay running smooth. You may cuss it the first time around but the second adjustment comes much easier. Trust me, done it three times in less than 5000 miles just for the practice.


Charles


Charles

[Edited by can-do on 06-01-2001 at 08:24 PM]

$150 for valve adjustment, I think, is too high.

David

would like to have a mile long line of MB's waiting for $150.00 valve adjustments..........
William.....