turbo leak question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 02-20-2003, 04:59 PM

Hi,

Yesterday, I posted a poorly-explained post regaring my turbo and its leak.

I looked today at it, and can see more.

The wastegate body, right around where the wastegate hose attaches is very oily and grimey. This is caused by oil leaking from the area directly above it. There is a (perhaps an oil supply tube?) tube that enters into the turbo right behind the silver metal casing that holds the turbine. Something on this line has begun to drip and leak.
Looking on fastlane, I can see that the oil lines for the turbo are metal. I have heard about o-rings around hese lines to create a seal, is this most likely what is causing an oil leak?
It seems like the leak is coming right from where this tube connects to the turbo's body.

Any help on this would be appreciated.
Thanks

JMH

300sd2000 · #2 08-31-2003, 11:53 PM

Hello,

I did a search for my problem and found this post...anyway I seem to have a similar problem in that I am leaking oil from the turbo supply line

However, it seems to be coming from the tube itself and not the gasket underneath...it seems the tube itself has weakened and is weeping a good size amount of oil when the car. I can't figure out why it developed a leak...metal fatigue from the years of the turbocharger's heat and vibration??

This line looks pretty striaghtforward to replace...has anyone here replaced it? From what I can tell it takes off from behind the oil cool housing?

Any potential problems or is it a cinch? Anyone know if they sell it in fastlane or partshop?

psfred · #3 09-01-2003, 04:54 PM

I've never personally seen one leak on a Benz, but anything is possible. I would suspect the o-ring first, as I've been told there is no reason to replace the oil lines, they never wear or or fail.

Clean it all off with carb cleaner and start it up while watching for the leak. If the flange is leaking, you will need a new line, and this is a specail order part, no one will have it in stock. If the leak is from under the flange, the o-ring is shot, get a new one. Clean very well before opening the line, any grit will probably fry the turbo bearings pronto.

Peter

300sd2000 · #4 09-01-2003, 06:05 PM

That is what I did, I used some brake cleaner to get a good look but it starts to seep from the top part of the flange (in fact, I think I see micro fissures in the metal itself) and weeps down onto the turbo causing a burnt hot oil smell, looks like clearly coming from above the o-ring mating surface. I did it twice to make sure, since its a really strange place to leak

I will need the line prob from dealer since the car is essentially grounded until then....

what is used at both ends of the line...on the turbo side, its a paper type gasket right?

does anyone know what is on the other side at the oil filter housing..is it a washer or a gasket? I am worried how hard it will be to undo it from that side.

BobK · #5 09-01-2003, 08:14 PM

It's been too long since I had that apart to remember what is in the ends, so I pulled up the CD manual. Looks like a standard banjo fitting at the filter housing end. Just need a couple of copper washers. BTW, that oil tube is a bit expensive. Local dealer wanted about $150 for one and out of town dealer only wanted $100 as I recall. Been a few years since I priced it. Mine had a bit of toasted crud in it. I finally just cleaned the heck out of it. A leak of course is a different matter

300sd2000 · #6 09-02-2003, 02:18 AM

Appreciate it....will call the dealer tomorrow and i will let you know soon as I begin work on it.

300sd2000 · #7 09-05-2003, 01:55 AM

$128 at the dealer -- took two days to get.

Wasn't easy to remove...there is a clamp at the back of the valve cover that fastens to the block with a 13mm bolt. -- PIA to reach, had to remove firewall cover, but eventually got it out. Two bolts at turbo side and banjo bolt at the filter housing

Installation was reverse.

No leaks now!

Will see how things go now. Realized right passenger motor mount oil laden -- do these things usuaully dry out or likely require replacement (I've done the mounts before I think the right is easier anyway).

Also found leak in wastegate hose and replaced with a piece of clear tubing (does it have to be the black color hose?)

psfred · #8 09-05-2003, 09:12 PM

I'd replace both engine mounts, they are probably flat by now -- the rubber "gives" over time and the engine slowly sinks down. Vibrates more than it should, and oil definitely accelerates this process.

Any hose is fine for the wastegate so long as ti stays on and doesn't expode -- you will get overboost in that case. I'd replace it with whatever your local diesel injection/turbo shop recommends, call them. They will probably sell you whatever you need fairly cheap if it isn't standard fuel line.

Peter