I have a question about the oil filter canister on my recently acquired 82 240D. During my first oil change, I noticed that there are two o-rings attached to the bottom of the shaft that is used to center the oil filter when placed inside of the container; this shaft also is part of the lid to close the container. My question is, What is the purpose of these o-rings and how often should these o-rings be replaced?

I don't know what purpose they serve, but I have read that they are supposed to be changed at each oil change. I change both o-rings whenever they start to become hard.

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'82 300D Turbo 218k miles

I looked at a diagram in my engine manual, and it looks like filtered oil flows through the pipe that goes through the ID of the filter and back to the pan. I suppose the o-rings keep dity oil from going back to the pan. The page i am looking at is 18.4-005/11 of the engine service manual for engines 615, 616 (240D), and 617.91

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'82 300D Turbo 218k miles

According to the TSB (MBNA 18/11a, June/1991), the O-rings prevent the oil in the filter housing from going back into the pan after the engine is off. The subject of this TSB is "Engines 602, 603 inspection of oil filter O-rings". It instructs MB tech to check the rings first if the 602 or 603 engine has noisy hydraulic valve tappets "during and after starting (especially with a hot engine)" before replacing the tappets. If the ring(s) is damaged or hardened, it should be replaced. Picture (60x engine) shows both rings are the same size, P/n 015-997-94-48.

David


[This message has been edited by be459 (edited 09-19-2000).]

Thanks for the reply guys. This forum has proven to be extremely helpful. It looks like I will be replacing these two o-rings during my next oil change.

Bill,

The TSB I stated is for 60x engines (diesel) which have hydraulic lifters, not the gasoline engines or other diesel engines. If oil is leaking out of the oil filter housing when the engine is off, it will take time to fill it up after the engine starts. Meanwhile, the lifters may make noise until they get the oil.

Since the 240D does not use hydraulic lifters, the O-rings may not be the cause. If it makes more noise when the engine warms up, you may want to check the valve clearance since the gap become larger as the engine gets hotter. Correct me if I am wrong.

You do need to check these O-rings on MB diesel engines every oil filter change. Also check the center of the shaft to be sure oil can flow freely inside the shaft from the O-ring end to the cap end. There is a tiny drain hole on the shaft near the cap end.

David


[This message has been edited by be459 (edited 09-21-2000).]