1995 w 245K on the clock. Came to us with evidence of leaking oil tensioner. Runs very well, but don't know when its time to replace the tensioner. Does the small external leak ( witnessed by oily grunge around tensioner) indicate a need for replacement? A search revealed no answer. Thank you!

The first step is to clean and degrease the area so it's bare metal clean, and then observe after driving a bit. The area might be oily from a valve cover gasket. If it's leaking between tensioner and head, you can remove the tensioner and lightly sand the crush washer and reinstall to the proper torque. If it's leaking out of the tensioner body, replace it. I'm using a Laso brand tensioner. 15k miles, no issue.

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'85 190D 2.2 Auto *Cali* (Blue/Blue) *sold*
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When I changed the head of my former '87 300D Turbo, I bought a new timing chain tensioner as a matter of safety and thoroughness. However the new tensioner (and I don't remember the source) leaked—apparently someone drilled a hole too deep. I returned it and put the original back.

You might see if the crush washer is available as a separate part. Shouldn't be too expensive and that's the only place it might leak if, as Manny notes, it's not actually a valve cover or head gasket leak that looks like a tensioner leak.

Jeremy

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
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Thnx Folks! No, I havent thoroughly cleaned the area, so it's not 100% its the tensioner, but VC gasket is dry.

Yeah, I can't tell you how many leaks I have seen that tricked people into thinking it was something it wasn't. Whenever faced with a leak always clean the area and check it again shortly after. I regularly clean my engine so I can wash off 30 years of junk and will be able to spot a new leak easily.

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'84 190D 2.2 5MT (Red/Palomino) Current car. Love it!
'85 190D 2.2 Auto *Cali* (Blue/Blue) *sold*
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Have you inspected the crankcase vent system? The one on the NA OM606 has a lot of plastic and rubber parts that simply disintegrate, leaving oily mess oozing out everywhere. On the turbo 606, the PCV exit is right over the tensioner. Not sure if it's the same for the NA.

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Its not the same, and I have. In fact, am awaiting the elbow that connects to the cyl head as I cracked that last time I did maintenance.

As the engine runs as good as a 125 hp N/A diesel can, I'll assume the tensioner is A-OK.