2006C230V6

2006 C230S was running perfect. No engine lights. I had just taken a trip of about 200mi. the day before where it ran great. Then suddenly got the warning that said to add oil, and a grinding noise from the engine. I had to continue on through the intersection with no grinding noise unless I tried to accelerate. Then I saw the smoke from the oil hitting the exhaust. Upon inspection I found oil all over the front of the motor and underneath the car which suggest it started spewing it while I was still on the highway. Still no check engine lights, although I haven't actually searched for codes yet. I pulled off the belly pan which shows no damage and examined the underside. I don't see any holes in the block. The oil plug is in.

It appears that the oil may have came out around the oil filter gasket. But the oil filter was snug, although I did change the oil and filter two weeks ago, but I've driven it every day since then and noticed no leakage around the filter or anywhere. And I looked all over to make sure it wasn't leaking anywhere after driving it a few miles.
According the dip-stick there is no oil in the engine. There is some of the white goo on the dip-stick and in the radiator overflow tank, that you see if there is water in the oil but very little. Just a few specks.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

jaGTAR KAHLON

Sounds like you blew a head gasket, do you have pics of white goo. But if you do see oil in engine bay The best way to verify an oil leak is pressure washing the engine bay ( YouTube it, cover alternator, Sam, etc.). If you still can’t find the leak you can buy a dye kit on amazon. You put a little dye in the oil and with a black light you can search for a leak. Pictures always help though. Also if you are not using synthetic 229.3 spec (something like that) it will burn oil.

2006C230V6

Thank you for the advise. I will take some photos. I've been the owner since 2014 and used only Mobil 1 0W40 Euro.

slammer111

Ouch. This sounds expensive. Keep us posted.

That has to be some major component failure or gasket failure if you suddenly lose all the oil in seconds like that.

2006C230V6

I had just replaced the Oil separator and vent cover as routine maintenance. Part of the crankcase ventilation system. Hopefully it's not something I did. Towing it to the repair place tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

jpman

Oil cooler is a suspect. The gaskets are known for failing and I believe you would see those two symptoms as well - google m272 oil cooler.

2006C230V6

2006C230V6

There's not a lot of it on the stick. But there is some in the bottom of the oil pan because I can get this every time after cleaning it off. I've also noticed it in the radiator reservoir.

cgshawaii

KISS... Keep it simple, stu... Okay no offense intended, but look for the little things first.

EVEN BEFORE THAT: "Mechanic's Rule" says to look at whatever you did most recently, in this case the oil separator and vent cover.

Story: I had a messy experience after changing the ($8/quart) Mobil 1 0-40 in my wife's C280 (different motor, I know). Changed oil and filter, cleaned myself up, put away the tools, and took it for a drive around the block (1.5 miles). When I got home there was a large oil trail behind me and a growing puddle on the floor. I quickly shut it off and discovered that I had incorrectly located the o-ring on the filter cap. I also discovered six quarts lost to the road, $50 for more oil, and what a hassle it is to clean up an oil spill.

Moral: check the oil filter cap o-ring. Even if it was not incorrectly installed, if it blows out you will lose a lot of oil quickly. This is the first, simplest thing to do unless you can find a clear and obvious leak source from visual observation.

2006C230V6

The repair shop said the problem was that the O-ring on the oil-filter cap was old and flat. And it's very possible I forgot to replace the O-ring three weeks ago, because I'm also old and fat.
But I still don't understand how I was able to drive 500+ miles on that same flat O-ring without leaking a drop of oil, and then in a few minutes loose all 8 quarts.
Not that I'm complaining. I'll be very happy, extremely happy, if this proves to be the only problem. I'm just skeptical right now.

And I do think it's time to start thinking about a replacement perhaps. We're looking into getting a B Class to use for commuting to work and errands so Marilyn can stay home in the garage more.

jpman

That oil and coolant mix would not be due to that o-ring in the filter. You are mixing both in the oil cooler. I mentioned this earlier and it’s as if you did not care to look. I am afraid you have a bigger problem.

2006C230V6

I agree with your diagnosis and am in the process of replacing the gasket now. I simply relayed what the repair shop told me. It's as if you have a problem with reading comprehension, or more likely an inflated sense of self importance. I appreciate your advise and expertise but don't need your condescending attitude.

jpman

👌 good luck bud, I will just sit in my corner of self importance. Hope it works out for ya.

cgshawaii

jpman, don't hog all the hate. I think he meant me - the first guy to correctly diagnose the issue. But I'm not about hogging the love either.

Anyway, y'all remember Mechanic's Rule in the future, okay? And if you don't, see above.