Oil Leak! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Wasuchi · #1 10-29-2003, 01:33 PM

Ok, it's not the typical leak from the engine, this is from the instrument cluster. I expected to see the line going to the oil gauge leaking but that's about the only place it isn't oily back there. There is oil leaking all around the panel the cluster is on, only on the back side though. I'm guessing the gauge itself is leaking and want some thoughts, opinions, comments... whatever, before I get any farther into this. I'm actually trying to get the cruise control going again so I may be pulling the instrument cluster anyway to get to the speed transducer to test it. My thinking right now is that the oil may be the cause of the cruise problem... lack of cruise altogther.

Thought? Ideas? Things to not do?

R Leo · #2 10-29-2003, 02:19 PM

The source of your leak is the bourdon tube in the oil pressure gauge mechanisim. Unfortunately, there's no fix other than replacement of that part of the gauge cluster with one that isn't leaking.

More on this here: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=64063&highlight=bourdon

Wasuchi · #3 10-29-2003, 02:27 PM

DOH!!!!! That's what I was afraid of. Well, I guess I need to find some boneyard that has a some old Benzes now, there aren't any around here. Is it possible to just get the oil gauge or does the whole thing really need to be replaced? (I'm guessing whole thing)

R Leo · #4 10-29-2003, 03:43 PM

IMHO, it's easier to do the whole left-side cluster (gas, temp, oil).

To only replace the oil pressure gauge requires pulling the pointer off the movement and removing the mechanisim from the gauge face. Doable? Yes. But at best it's a PITA...

Wasuchi · #5 10-29-2003, 04:24 PM

Ok, anyone have the needed cluster that they would be willing to sell? Seems that all the salvage places only will sell the entire thing and it's 85 specific (I'm thinking the specific part is speedo?) and I don't need the rest of it. Also, the salvage yards can't locate one. Sure wish there was a pick n' pull yard around here that had one but there isn't.

For the short term I may be forced to extend the oil line and put a gauge somewhere else.

samiam4 · #6 11-13-2003, 06:30 PM

I'm not sure why they are 1985 specific?

Maybe the speedo goes to 130 mph instead of 85? Anyway, if you look at the factory part ($276), the earlier models need a installation kit for $4.
Don't mind the whole thing if the prices is right... I gave $75=0)

Michael