I spotted an oil leak on the bottom right side (below front passenger seat). Suspected that the oil sump was leaking. So degreased the whole area and looked at it after 2 weeks. The area was covered in oil again, but this time noticed the starter motor was also covered in oil. The electrical cable was also soaked in oil suggesting the leak was from higher up. I suspect its the oil filter housing but cant get a good view as there are too many things around it. Anyone experienced a similar issue? Is it a costly fix?
if you’re able to trace the oil leak to be coming feom above the starter it is likely your oil filter housing gasket that is leaking.
i replaced my entire OFH and new gasket, and I have not had any leaks since. I suggest taking care of the leak sooner than later so you do not kill your starter.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I believe that the same issue with mine. Just removed the starter motor to get a better view and it seems the OFH is leaking.
Do you recall how much did the OFH cost? Mercedes just quoted $1,143. Wondering is there are any recommended alternatives.
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I believe that the same issue with mine. Just removed the starter motor to get a better view and it seems the OFH is leaking.
Do you recall how much did the OFH cost? Mercedes just quoted $1,143. Wondering is there are any recommended alternatives.
Sounds about right if your local MB dealership was going to do the job.
You need to drain coolant, drain the oil, remove the intake manifold and remove the starter like you did. It's a pretty timely job but if you have all the tools you can do it yourself.
My suggestion is have the following for the job if you plan to do it yourself:
- NEW OFH with gasket
- intake manifold gaskets
-oil change kit (oil + new filter)
- coolant to fill back up after job is completed.
Other than those items it's just time removing the intake, intake manifold and starter.
I also had a dead starter which was due to the oil leak from the OFH gasket.
I opted to get the genuine Mercedes OFH from an online MB dealer.
I did the work myself, it's little involved but very much doable.
Just make sure you have power tools, swiveling sockets and all the correct gaskets.
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
