M103 Timing Cover O-Ring
 

Can someone confirm the exact location of the infamous O-Ring on timing cover? The only o-ring I see is between the fan bracket and timing cover. The o-ring is in the same bolt hole that the "y-bracket" attaches to with sealant on both sides. Can anyone confirm? Also, Fastlane sells an o-ring between the timing cover and crankcase(see attached link below). But I don't see any o-rings between them. I want to get this right since I'm trying to eliminate all oil leaks on the front end. Thanks for any help.

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1O40VKYKM1O617BN7M&year=1991&make=MB&model=190-E-005&category=All&part=Timing+Cover+O-Ring

When I did my upper timing cover, there was an o-seal that went around the camshaft, but it was hardly an o-ring. It was a regular radial seal complete with lip, etc. ala main crankshaft end seal.

Is this what you're talking about?

There is an O-ring in the timing cover, but oil leaks usually occur at the cover's U-gasket. That needs special sealant in the corners. Search "upper timing seal cover"--hundreds of messages on the topic...

TeeJay, I'm pretty familiar with the u-gasket problems. Too familiar! Do you know where that o-ring is in the timing cover? I've read a couple of threads about it but want to make sure I replace it while i have things apart.

I looked at this job and I think the only o-ring seal you need is the one you mentioned -- the bottom right bolt that goes through the tensioner Y-bracket then the fan bearing bracket and into the timing cover. It does indeed go thru the timing cover and into the crankcase but I think Fastlane is just vague by not mentioning the bearing bracket.

I see no others mentioned in the job, although this is from a '91. What year is your 103?

If there is another seal on the cover, my bet is it would be one of the 105's as seen in the pic.

Good Luck :D



http://pauls-space.zftp.com/timing_cover.jpg

pmizell, mine is a '91 as well. Thanks for the great reply with diagram. I guess there is only one o-ring at that location. Also, I'm glad I wasn't the only one that thought the fastlane ad was misleading. I'll go to the store tomorrow and buy a new o-ring. I hope it makes a difference. At least it will give me peace of mind when I start the car again for the first time.