Any ideas on this one? I have a 1986 280SL, engine is a 110.990 with roughly 140k on it. Daily driver, overall good condition.

I am getting small oil leak in the front of the engine. I have searched thoroughly to rule out any other possible fluids. The leak is in the vicinity of the front main seal, does not appear to be any oil above this point. This area is very difficult to access and see. I have checked all around the valve cover (nothing) and all around the head to block seal with the exception of right in the front which cannot be seen.

Oil consumption is minimal, I check it regularly. I see a few drops every few days on the garage floor, and get a small accumulation of oil around and below the front seal.

Car runs perfect, no degradation of performance or economy.

If it is the front seal leaking, what are the possible remedies? If it is the head gasket leaking near the seal, how about repairs to this? If I have to get into pulling the engine, I might as well do a complete rebuild.

What are the ramifications of running without fixing this (maintaining the proper oil level of course and monitoring the oil consumption) ?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks

this is the 110 engine. right?

the head is very tall. a leak at the head gasket might be hard to see from top side. a leaking main seal is not an emergency situation, since the worst that can happen is it might keep leaking and eventually get a bit worse. it is more of a nuisance than anything.

in any case i think it can probably be changed with the motor in the car. i would suspect any number of other sources for the oil, though. power steering? ac? so look carefully before deciding anything.

the 110 engine is very very very durable. a rebuild is not likely in order, if the car has had reasonable care, til 3 or 400k miles.

we had to take my 280 apart this year and at 143k miles we simply honed the cylinders, installed new rings and put in the original bearings. they showed no wear at all. we also did a valve job. they are reputed to be as durable as the legendary 616 617 diesels.

also you can go to a thicker oil. sometimes this will help a seeping seal.

good luck

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.