My mecahnic is stumped...oil problem on my 1992 300SE - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

clarkz71 · #16 04-09-2009, 06:34 PM

That's what I said on benzworld.org. I asked him did they simulate operating conditions, (pressure/temp)
I never recieved an answer on that one.

oaklandw124 · #17 04-15-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

Simply request them to replace the cooler! You are paying the BILL! Ask them to save the old one!

Most likely a small crack opens up under HEAT & Pressure conditions.

I have an update. Had it towed to the dealer and they ran the car for 2 hours. No overheating, but more oil left the crankcase into the cooling system (about 2 quarts). They are suggesting doing the head gasket again and replacing all parts (radiator, hoses, coolant reservoir) at a cost of 4K! I asked them about the oil cooler and they said that wasn't the problem. They didn't test it, but they said it wasn't the problem. Does the radiator have anything that would allow oil into the coolant.

Hirnbeiss · #18 04-15-2009, 05:13 PM

A quart an hour is a big leak, especially at idle, and I can't say I've ever seen a torqued-down headgasket leak like that (not that my sample size is all that big). Plus, your mechanic already re-did the gasket and nothing changed.
1. Believe your indications (lesson learned from 3-Mile Island)
2. Doing the same thing but expecting different results is (used as) a definition of insanity.
The 3rd thing is that replacing the radiator (with oil cooler) will only run you about $200 (recent auction site offer) if you do it yourself.
DIY
I would do that before looking further at the headgasket and block.

mbdoc · #19 04-15-2009, 05:33 PM

WHY not simply listen to experience & TELL them to replace the oil cooler??

MB part number 104-180-03-09 ($288 list) with gaskets & labor ...$600

They can clean the complete system with MB citric acid powder.

Most likely that IS the problem...UNLESS you think your original tech can't install a head gasket!

79Mercy · #20 04-15-2009, 05:49 PM

M.B. DOC knows what he is talking about. Either have the dealer replace the oil cooler or DIY.

clarkz71 · #21 04-15-2009, 06:20 PM

Replace the oil cooler, hmmmmm............. I know I've heard that before........

......let me think. .

oaklandw124 · #22 04-15-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirnbeiss

A quart an hour is a big leak, especially at idle, and I can't say I've ever seen a torqued-down headgasket leak like that (not that my sample size is all that big). Plus, your mechanic already re-did the gasket and nothing changed.
1. Believe your indications (lesson learned from 3-Mile Island)
2. Doing the same thing but expecting different results is (used as) a definition of insanity.
The 3rd thing is that replacing the radiator (with oil cooler) will only run you about $200 (recent auction site offer) if you do it yourself.
DIY
I would do that before looking further at the headgasket and block.

Hirnbeiss,

Would you do the radiator before doing the oil cooler, or are you saying that both should be done at the same time. And, how hard is it to change the oil cooler?

79Mercy · #23 04-15-2009, 09:59 PM

the rad has nothing to do with motor oil.

REPLACE THE OIL COOLER

oaklandw124 · #24 04-15-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 79Mercy

the rad has nothing to do with motor oil.

REPLACE THE OIL COOLER

Ok. Is it hard to do?

Hirnbeiss · #25 04-15-2009, 10:20 PM

I sent you the wrong DIY - sorry. Your oil cooler is mounted underneath the oil filter, and to access it you need to remove the upper intake manifold.

79Mercy · #26 04-15-2009, 10:24 PM

yeah I believe its pretty involved

nckmsn · #27 04-15-2009, 10:28 PM

Just an idea if your mechanic is right about the oil cooler being okay. Could you be losing the oil in another way while you are actually getting transmission into the coolant. I admit I don't know this model very well, but in certain cars there is a possibility of transmission entering the coolant via a transmission fluid cooler. Just an idea. I guess there still needs to be a reason for the oil disappearing.

oaklandw124 · #28 04-15-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nckmsn

Just an idea if your mechanic is right about the oil cooler being okay. Could you be losing the oil in another way while you are actually getting transmission into the coolant. I admit I don't know this model very well, but in certain cars there is a possibility of transmission entering the coolant via a transmission fluid cooler. Just an idea. I guess there still needs to be a reason for the oil disappearing.

No evidence of transmission fluid in the coolant. Level on dipstick is perfect and the color of the fluid is defintely oil color.

Early Bird · #29 04-15-2009, 11:32 PM

After following this thread, I would have to go with the Mb Doc on changing the oil cooler. Its cheaper than $4000. Would not be an easy DIY if you have to pull intake. It's really better for your personal mechanic to the work. The dealer will charge way to much . Good luck, this is a ruff one

79Mercy · #30 04-15-2009, 11:34 PM

where do you live?