I have a quick question. I seem to be having a leak that's coming from the timing chain cover, I'm in the process of getting it looked at. the car(1986 300E)has 192k mi. on it. I know that I've read on this forum that these chains can almost last forever. My question is, should I also have the chain replaced while the gasket is being done or go by the old adage, if it ain't broke don't fixed it. I'm sure once the mech. is inside if he sees something that should be replaced he'll let me know.

On this one, just do the front upper timing cover reseal and let it ride. I have never seen a worn out chain on this engine. The chain is well oiled and short, so it lasts longer than other parts of the engine.

------------------
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Rich,

Is the leak bad enough to fix? Mine has leaked forever, it shows a little oil below and behind the cover, but I've never seen a single drop of oil under the car. I just clean it every once in a while. It is a tiny leak. Yours may be worse, but if you never see anything on the garage floor below the car, I wouldn't bother unless it gets worse.

My $.02.

Good luck,

------------------
Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Let's put it this way! Every week to a week and a half the oil light is coming on.. Now that we're on the subject.. Actually when the oil light comes on and I check the dip stick, it's measuring only very little under maxium capacity(maybe a 8th under the red plastic marker, so even though the light is coming on, it is still very much full of oil. Why is that? Is this some type of reminder to let you know that at some point you'll need oil)?:confused

Rich,

I think your problem is not directly related to the timing cover leak unless the leak is drenching your driveway. I know that there is a low oil level warning as well as a low oil pressure warning. There could be some sort of problem with the sensor or wiring. If the level is up, the low level sensor should not be on. Pressure you should monitor on your guage, it should be maxed when going down the road and not fall too close to zero at idle.

Long and short of this, check your oil level sensor and circuit first.

Good luck,

------------------
Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

The oil level warning light should come on with the level approximately one quart low. If it is coming on where you say it is, have the circuit checked out. I'm also in the camp that says let the timing cover weep. The seal doesn't last all that long before it starts to weep again anyway.

Thanks, I know what to check now and I'll just keep the motor cleaned especially around this area!!