Sorry no pics, but I'll do the best I can to describe. Just got into a running but unknown condition '84 OM601 that was leaking oil like a stuck pig from #1 cyl exhaust side head gasket and smoking like a steam locomotive. Compression was at 400psi for all four cylinders so it seemed like a good project. The fuel tank smelled like linseed oil. Popped the injectors - all four were Bosch remans but appeared to be balanced. Removed the valve cover, TC sprocket, and camshaft. Camshaft bearing oil orifices at #4 & #5 cylinders were clogged with what at first appeared to be phenolic from the head gasket. Camshaft was scored accordingly.

Pulled the head - head gasket was compromised around #1 cylinder - the source of the oil leak. Drained oil and opened up the oil filter canister - AHA! - the clogs were not head gasket material! Filter cartridge was disintegrated in bypass area. Apparently the PO had not changed the oil in so long the cheapo Fram filter medium had started to break away into the oil gallery. This was the material clogging the oil ports at the camshaft bearings. Just looking at the oil at the bottom of the canister revealed tiny bits of metal that was picked up by a magnet.

At this point I am mulling the idea of jacking up the engine to inspect #1 rod bearing. I fear that it may not look good.

Any tips on flushing the filter material out of the oil circuit without completely destroying the engine?

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327K on 1986 W201, 602.911, 722.414 2.5 190D ("The Red Baron")
139K on 1993 W124, 104.942, 722.433 2.8 300E ("Queen")

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Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater.
- Albert Einstein

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