Engine fumes while warm - not when hot
 

I have a 380SL with 140K kilometers and I can smell engine fumes for the first 10 minutes of driving, and then it mostly goes away.

The smell is not from exhaust, or fuel, but more like the smell from the oil fill hole. I notice it when stopping at traffic lights, and there is no smoke visible. I haven't had the car long enough to see if there is oil consumption, but it is certainly not dramatic.

I suspect something to do with vacuum, because when I bought the car, the vacuum storage tank was missing. When I replaced it, the smell became apparent, and the transmission developed the 2-3 flare when cold.

I intend to buy a vacuum gauge and do some testing, so have yet to check the vacuum at the transmission. Any ideas where I should look, particularly as both problems seem to be when in the warmup stage.

I can see many articles on the 2/3 flare, but not the fumes smell.

Assistance appreciated.

Steve,

Glad to see another Aussie from Sydney here. I think you are onto it with mention of a vacuum problem, especially given two problems coinciding with fitting the vacuum reservoir. Vacuum problems could interfere with both transmission operation and crankcase ventilation.

Have you considered joining the Mercedes-Benz Club of NSW? Our next meeting is next Wednesday night, August 6 and one of our major events for the year, the concours is coming up on September 14. Like minded enthusiasts and access to workshop manuals in the club can also help sort problems with your car.

Greg

Thanks Greg, I will try to make the meeting.

No suggestions from anyone on the fumes smell?

I have a W 107 350 SL 1971 with the same problem.I took of the contured rubber hose from the idle speed air distributor to the valve housing. The smoke are gone. Heavy vacum take the oil right in to the suplementary air valve .
I put a jam glass betveen the cover and the air distributor. After some minutes the was 0,2 liter of oil in the jam glass.
Arvid from Norway

Here are a pictures of the oil glass

Thanks Arvid. I have read your post on the subject before. Quite amazing.

I will try the same experiment, but I suspect it is not the same issue. You mention smoke in your post, and I can imagine you would have a fair bit.

I don't see any smoke, just the smell. There is a little smoke haze under high revs and full power, and I suspect the valve seals or guides as the cause of this. But I can idle forever and there is no smoke. Same going down hills.

I just get an aroma that smells like the fumes from the oil filler hole, and it goes away when the car is hot.

Steve,

Can't suggest much else without seeing it. I'm sure some in the club will be able to suggest a solution. Hope to meet you there.

Greg