blackopal

Hello all


My poor suffering S430 has developed a rather nasty oil leak. I'm wanting to replace the drive belt but there's no point until I can stop the oil leak as it's clearly all over the belt. Oh the poor car.


Before I start pulling things out, I was hoping someone might have had a similar leak and have a few idea's where it could be coming from. I'm pretty sure it's engine oil so I've ruled out the power steering.


I'm not really neglecting it, I've spent all of my time on all the other area's instead!


thank you
James

Jack_88

Clean it all up as best you can, and then look for the oil to reappear to figure out where it's coming from. Could be a couple things.

wallyp

Is the power steering fluid low? My first suspicion would be the front seal on the pump - nice if it was a leaking hose, though.

DrDoe

Two years ago my dealer told me about the upper gasket leaks and I didn't deal with it until last April. For a 2yrs old leaks, it wasn't as nasty as yours. Are the sides look the same as the front?
I would get o'reilly heavy duty engine cleaner and high water pressure hose to locate the source of the leak.

ibeforreal

I'm not so sure about putting a high pressure hose on the engine with all of the electronic parts whereas you could potentially cause serious damage. You would be better off buying several spray cans of brake cleaner and spray the contaminated areas. Just make sure that you are in a well ventilated area and the engine is cool. I would also use proper eye wear to prevent any accidental over spray.

tusabes

Definitely do not use a high pressure water Spray


Brake or carb cleaner , wiped down with a damp but not dripping towel , is the way to go

blackopal

thanks guys


I'd actually stocked up on degreaser spray cans so I'll use that to clean it all down, and then I'm going to whip a new belt on it as my wife is driving four hours away on the weekend and the belt is looking a sad! I figure a belt is cheap insurance, even if I put another one on once I've diagnosed the oil leak.


The power steer level looks normal so I'm assuming that's not it. The main buildup is on the front, (none on the sides other than a little general grime)


I was going to hose off with a pressure cleaner but I won't after reading the above posts. Besides, pressure cleaning muck sometimes means the muck ends up everywhere else!

wallyp

My method is to cover the ground (outside!) under the engine with a thick, overlapping layer of newspapers. Buy a case of brake/parts cleaner. Start at the top and wash down. Breath as little of the fumes as possible! Let as much of the cleaner as possible evaporate - overnight is good. Using rubber or nitral gloves, put the newspaper in large plastic garbage bags and dispose of the bags.

If the engine is actually clean, it can be really difficult to see fresh oil from a leak. Get a box of corn starch - in the kitchen cabinet, or at the market. Pour a cone of corn starch into your hand, then use a soda straw to blow the extremely fine white powder over the suspected leak areas. When you run the engine, any leaks will show up very clearly.

DrDoe

Great tips on the cornstarch.
I pressure washed both the V8 and V12 and I would do them again. The dealer also give you the engine clean as a curtesy wash and the dealer also tell you the source of the leak for no charge if you have the car in for other services.
Looking at your pic, I think they came from the highlighted area on both sides. Those area are prone for upper gasket leaks.

DrDoe

On the subject of dirty engine, is there a way to stop corrosion issue? This 2 yrs old car was from New York so I believe road salt was the culprit. The worst area as pictured is out of sight under the car.
Any other ideas beside spraying the engine with baking soda?

tusabes

The oil/sludge Coating is actually one of the best corrosion protectors !

jkm5022

After you clean the front of the engine, take the belt off. You will find a 2" x 1" metal cover facing front and partially hidden by the belt and stuff. there are two small screws holding it on. I had a front leak and it took me forever to find it. you can find the piece on line for very little money. this stopped my leak.

blackopal

thanks guys


I degreased and cleaned until I ran out of rags and motivation. It must be impossible to do this without getting grease right up your elbows! I looked longingly at the pressure cleaner...


I'm none the wiser yet. Damn it was dirty!! Still is really, I think it needs a steam clean. I made the mistake of telling my wife that her engine was oily/dirty and yet my CLK55 motor is spotless. What a fool!

DrDoe

LOL

ibeforreal

DON'T pick up that pressure washer.