I was riding with my employee in my new (rusty old) w123 yesterday and he said to me something along the lines of, is there supposed to be oil dripping by your foot?

I looked and sure enough, oil was dripping near the fire wall. I knew what it was right away since I've had the cluster out before (seen the oil tube) and pulled that thing out almost instantly.

I've read quite a bit here about the oil tube leaking on peoples feet. But as I tore the cluster apart I noticed that it's not leaking at the connection but out of the oil gauge itself!!! Is this a common problem?

The gauge looks like the internals of a wind up watch (springs, small pins, gears, etc). I tossed mine but if it happens again is it fixable? If I fix it with another old part, is it likely to happen again? Is there a better way than this gauge? Maybe a mod?


thanks!
Nick

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.

It happens when you dont use two wrenches. replacement.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

That's about how this car was maintained by the P.O. But I can't talk! I broke the overflow nipple on the radiator today while changing the alternator

__________________
-E300d '99 350k
-Suburban '93 220k
-TDI Jetta '03 350k
Sold
-F250 '96 7.3
-Dodge Ram 12V
-E320 '95 200k
-E320 Wagon 1994 155k
-300d Turbo '87 187k miles
-E320 1994 200k
-300d Turbo '84 245k (sold to Dan62)
-300d Turbo '84 180k
-300sd '80 300k
-7.3 Powerstroke Diesel 15P Van 500k+ miles
-190d '89 Non Turbo 2.5 5cyl 240k (my first MB)
Tom's Imports of Columbia MO Ruined the IP in changing leaky delivery valve O-Rings - Refused to stand behind his work. Mid-MO MB drivers-AVOID Tom's.

Been there, done that on my sister's 300d. As you might have noticed, the mechanism that moves the needle is kind of a metal bladder (bronze i think) that expands as the pressure increases. Depending on where the leak is, you might be able to solder it with rosin core solder (the one used to solder electronic components).

Just disassemble the pressure gage by removing the back cover of that segment of the cluster. Remover the oil pressure needle by gently pulling it with some pliers. Clean the metal bladder with contact cleaner, locate the source of the leak and apply the solder.

It's very likely you will be able to fix it. Good luck and god speed!

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1982 W123 300D NA Euro, 300K Miles, 4-speed manual, 3.46 rear diff, early W126 front brakes, Penta rims with 205/60R15 FH900's, custom fitted (by me) audio system, more to come into the money pit... Soon to be installed: Bilstein HD, R107 front discs and 4-piston calipers, HD Suspension springs, wagon front swaybar.

It's called a Bourdon Tube. Soft brass/bronze with solder to seal it. With time the solder cracks and leaks develop. It's difficult to fix. When mine leaked, I replaced the whole gauge.

__________________
Bob
'82 300D Petrol B-G Metallic

It provides the secret recognition symbol of old MB diesel drivers; oil spots on the left shoe. (unless your British, then it's the right one)

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The felt sound deadening on that lower dash panel holds about a liter.

Just replace it not worth fixing unless younwant to tinker.

I picked up a few at PNP that have worked ok. and much cheaper.

be sure to use a 10mm and a 13mm wrench. need the 13mm for a back
up to take the stress off the gauge internals.

charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works