Oil Filter Housing Leak: HELP! 2009 C350
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Oil Filter Housing Leak: HELP! 2009 C350
I am about to change the drive belt. Looking underneath it appears the Oil Filter Housing is leaking. 
I read one thread that says it should just need tightening and to replace o-ring.
Q1. Does the gasket inside the Oil Filter Housing wear out with high mileage? I have 126K
Q2. Any risk affecting the drive belt? There is quite a bit of oil build up.
Please see pics. Thanks for your time.
2009 C350 Oil Filter Housing
Drive Belt with Oil Leak
I read one thread that says it should just need tightening and to replace o-ring.
Q1. Does the gasket inside the Oil Filter Housing wear out with high mileage? I have 126K
Q2. Any risk affecting the drive belt? There is quite a bit of oil build up.
Please see pics. Thanks for your time.
2009 C350 Oil Filter Housing
Drive Belt with Oil Leak
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 608
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From: Western NC
2009 MB C300 Sport 4matic
Check out this link...pretty close to your model. Talking about oil cooler/housing leaks and doing a Search with this as the subject will pick up quite a few posts. These gaskets can wear out/leak at even lower mileages per other posts. Your serpentine belt looks like it might benefit from a change anyway as you already noted...miles? In general they are pretty resistant to hydrocarbons. It might be your southern Cali temps are playing a role in things deteriorating a bit. You've got a nice DIY project if you have the time and can spare your MB being down some.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...oler-seal.html
I always like to clean off oil leaks and run her to confirm location of leakage myself. Looks like problem is with oil cooler/ housing not just the filter screw on area as you probably already think so 'tightening" won't help.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...oler-seal.html
I always like to clean off oil leaks and run her to confirm location of leakage myself. Looks like problem is with oil cooler/ housing not just the filter screw on area as you probably already think so 'tightening" won't help.
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From: SA
2008 C350-Sport-AMG-Active Agility Pack(Not reliable) +Izuzu KB6 3L(It seems Reliable)+Mazda
Heres another link with description....
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W204/20-ENGINE-Oil_Cooler_and_Seal_Replacement/20-ENGINE-Oil_Cooler_and_Seal_Replacement.htm
Additional info Suggested:
Coolant:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
+Power steering reservoir
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-W204/20-ENGINE-Oil_Cooler_and_Seal_Replacement/20-ENGINE-Oil_Cooler_and_Seal_Replacement.htm
Additional info Suggested:
Coolant:
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
+Power steering reservoir
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm
Last edited by Moto_Guzzi; Dec 2, 2019 at 10:54 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Two Gaskets Clarification
So evidently there are two gaskets on this.
Regardless of which one, I guess it makes sense to do them all. I suppose the other one won't be far behind...
1. Oil Filter Housing
2. Oil Cooler Seal
Regardless of which one, I guess it makes sense to do them all. I suppose the other one won't be far behind...
Thread Starter
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
UPDATE: Dealer Refuses To Replace Seals
I was at the dealer for differential service. I had them take a look at the look at the leak.
The dealer is claiming that Mercedes directs them to replace the entire Oil Filter Housing. They will not replace the seals. I don't know why.
COST: $1,128.00 (replace oil cooler assembly and gasket)
Seems like a money grab to me.
The dealer is claiming that Mercedes directs them to replace the entire Oil Filter Housing. They will not replace the seals. I don't know why.
COST: $1,128.00 (replace oil cooler assembly and gasket)
Seems like a money grab to me.
Last edited by Nicholi2007; Feb 2, 2020 at 12:24 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 608
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From: Western NC
2009 MB C300 Sport 4matic
Yes, but only on the oil cooler seal area on my '09 C300. I have used this gasket sealer on many other difficult to fix leaks where OEM gaskets were no longer available, i.e. vintage Brit/Japanese motorcycles, Mg's/Lotus cars from the 60's. I see that Pelican sells these gaskets however. I thought your post suggested they weren't available, my bad.
Last edited by gamma300C; Feb 2, 2020 at 07:45 AM.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Yes, but only on the oil cooler seal area on my '09 C300. I have used this gasket sealer on many other difficult to fix leaks where OEM gaskets were no longer available, i.e. vintage Brit/Japanese motorcycles, Mg's/Lotus cars from the 60's. I see that Pelican sells these gaskets however. I thought your post suggested they weren't available, my bad.
I also have to replace the breather cap. So I'm thinking of using a light sealant for that.
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From: New Zealand
W204 C200, BMW E30 M3, 1980Gt Mini, Toyota Corona, KTM 200 EXC.
I think Installing new gasket only would be the safe bet, in this case I don't see the benefit of installing sealant on new rubber gaskets.
If the housing is warped or corroded at the gasket surfaces then replacement would be recommended otherwise don’t let the "experts" waste your money.
If the housing is warped or corroded at the gasket surfaces then replacement would be recommended otherwise don’t let the "experts" waste your money.
Thread Starter
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
I think Installing new gasket only would be the safe bet, in this case I don't see the benefit of installing sealant on new rubber gaskets.
If the housing is warped or corroded at the gasket surfaces then replacement would be recommended otherwise don’t let the "experts" waste your money.
If the housing is warped or corroded at the gasket surfaces then replacement would be recommended otherwise don’t let the "experts" waste your money.
I took the telescopic mirror to look at the breather cover. Looks like the breather cover is leaking but not badly.
I went ahead and bought the Engine Oil Separator Drip Pan, part no. 2730100162 as I'm sure that's failing or close to...
The oil filter housing is real bad with oil dripping on the center bolt of the tensioner wheel.
I'm still trying to process why Mercedes is forcing the dealer to replace the whole housing....
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Update: Oil Filter Housing
I've spoken to a few independent mechanics.
All suggest replacing the oil filter housing as they say it will leak.
They will do the seals if asked but advise against it.
One Indy shop wants $395 labor and $130 for a new oil filter housing.
All suggest replacing the oil filter housing as they say it will leak.
They will do the seals if asked but advise against it.
One Indy shop wants $395 labor and $130 for a new oil filter housing.
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
So buy the part online and supply to the indy and save yourself a bit of money. Good luck.
Super Member
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From: Western NC
2009 MB C300 Sport 4matic
I don't have a WorkShop Manual but I believe the oil housing on a C300 or similar uses T12 bolts.....the max torque for a T12 is 5.3 Nm , approx. 4 lb/ft (47 lb/inches). Should give you a good spot to start. Remember these 5 bolts are not all the same length..need to go back in the right hole.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 152
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From: Chesapeake, Virginia
'11 C300
Just had our '11 C300 serviced at the dealer service and our oil filter housing is leaking. Seems there are a lot of posts on this happening. Our C300 has less than 40k miles on it so not really mileage dependent. I'm thinking just over time it is going to leak. Cost estimate for repair and replacement was just over $1,000! They said it wasn't too bad - yet. Next year.
Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 142
Likes: 26
How in the hxll do they get people to pay such asinine prices?
Cooler, seals, filter, as well as top-off for coolant AND oil. $160
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ens-2721880001
Cooler, seals, filter, as well as top-off for coolant AND oil. $160
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...ens-2721880001
