Bedplate / Crankcase Oil Leak!
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Bedplate / Crankcase Oil Leak!
As I was coming home from a weekend drive I noticed a small dark spot on my garage floor. To my surprise it was an oil droplet; about the size of a nickel.
My car has never leaked oil or anything for the matter. So this was worrisome.
Took it to the dealer to have it checked out. Seems to be the Casecrank / Bedplate leaking oil. I thought this was crazy for a hand build engine that just hit 30,000 miles to be leaking oil.
In order for them to fix this they will need to remove the engine to get to the area that needs to be resealed.
A $4,000+ repair!
I did my own inspection to see if it truly was coming from the Crankcase / Bedplate. Oil made its way everywhere. I cleaned everything as well as I could and had it sit over night.
Everything was dry! No signs of oil anywhere. I started the car up and let it run for 20 mins, this is when you started to see the oil seep through the Casecrank / Bedplate. It was more of an ooze then a "leak".
To me it seemed it would take time for it to build up and eventually hit the ground.
(Dry after cleaning)
(Car running for 20mins)
The shop did say they would help me out with a 10% discount on the job; not much but anything helps. After a few days I decided to call Mercedes Customer Care. Boy that was a let down.
They took a few days to look up my car and talk to the dealership. I did not expect them to cover the whole cost but I did think they would help me out with maybe 50% of the fees. Nope, nothing.
The person I was speaking to had the audacity to say that Mercedes will go ahead an honor that 10% from the dealership. Um... the dealership said they would do that for me before I even spoke to you. He was trying to make it seem in a way they are helping a customer out; but they really weren't.
Anyways, it is what it is and will have to suck it up and pay the price to get it fixed.
Any thoughts on this? I see this is not a common issue as I only found one thread with the same issue with also low miles. I would expect this to happen maybe when our cars hit 80K+ miles, not 30k miles.
Shame.
Also, while doing my own inspection I did notice a very unusual thing. When the car was running I could see the oil build up and pass onto a bolt. This bolt began to create oil bubbles with the oil around it.
Not sure if there is air coming through or if its the vibration of the engine creating the bubbles.
Let the experts here decide
My car has never leaked oil or anything for the matter. So this was worrisome.
Took it to the dealer to have it checked out. Seems to be the Casecrank / Bedplate leaking oil. I thought this was crazy for a hand build engine that just hit 30,000 miles to be leaking oil.
In order for them to fix this they will need to remove the engine to get to the area that needs to be resealed.
A $4,000+ repair!
I did my own inspection to see if it truly was coming from the Crankcase / Bedplate. Oil made its way everywhere. I cleaned everything as well as I could and had it sit over night.
Everything was dry! No signs of oil anywhere. I started the car up and let it run for 20 mins, this is when you started to see the oil seep through the Casecrank / Bedplate. It was more of an ooze then a "leak".
To me it seemed it would take time for it to build up and eventually hit the ground.
(Dry after cleaning)
(Car running for 20mins)
The shop did say they would help me out with a 10% discount on the job; not much but anything helps. After a few days I decided to call Mercedes Customer Care. Boy that was a let down.
They took a few days to look up my car and talk to the dealership. I did not expect them to cover the whole cost but I did think they would help me out with maybe 50% of the fees. Nope, nothing.
The person I was speaking to had the audacity to say that Mercedes will go ahead an honor that 10% from the dealership. Um... the dealership said they would do that for me before I even spoke to you. He was trying to make it seem in a way they are helping a customer out; but they really weren't.
Anyways, it is what it is and will have to suck it up and pay the price to get it fixed.
Any thoughts on this? I see this is not a common issue as I only found one thread with the same issue with also low miles. I would expect this to happen maybe when our cars hit 80K+ miles, not 30k miles.
Shame.
Also, while doing my own inspection I did notice a very unusual thing. When the car was running I could see the oil build up and pass onto a bolt. This bolt began to create oil bubbles with the oil around it.
Not sure if there is air coming through or if its the vibration of the engine creating the bubbles.
Let the experts here decide
#2
Wow that's a ton of labor cost. Might be worth shopping around. If you have private or performance shops nearby that specialize in AMG you'll likely find better rates. Just do your homework on the shops.
Hand built engine is a two-sided sword. People make mistakes far more than a machine, but machines don't quite have the feedback (yet) of a person.
Hand built engine is a two-sided sword. People make mistakes far more than a machine, but machines don't quite have the feedback (yet) of a person.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Wow that's a ton of labor cost. Might be worth shopping around. If you have private or performance shops nearby that specialize in AMG you'll likely find better rates. Just do your homework on the shops.
Hand built engine is a two-sided sword. People make mistakes far more than a machine, but machines don't quite have the feedback (yet) of a person.
Hand built engine is a two-sided sword. People make mistakes far more than a machine, but machines don't quite have the feedback (yet) of a person.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Took it to the dealer to have it checked out. Seems to be the Casecrank / Bedplate leaking oil. I thought this was crazy for a hand build engine that just hit 30,000 miles to be leaking oil.
In order for them to fix this they will need to remove the engine to get to the area that needs to be resealed.
A $4,000+ repair!
In order for them to fix this they will need to remove the engine to get to the area that needs to be resealed.
A $4,000+ repair!
Anyways, it is what it is and will have to suck it up and pay the price to get it fixed.
Any thoughts on this? I see this is not a common issue as I only found one thread with the same issue with also low miles. I would expect this to happen maybe when our cars hit 80K+ miles, not 30k miles.
Shame.
Any thoughts on this? I see this is not a common issue as I only found one thread with the same issue with also low miles. I would expect this to happen maybe when our cars hit 80K+ miles, not 30k miles.
Shame.
Also, while doing my own inspection I did notice a very unusual thing. When the car was running I could see the oil build up and pass onto a bolt. This bolt began to create oil bubbles with the oil around it.
Not sure if there is air coming through or if its the vibration of the engine creating the bubbles.
Let the experts here decide
Not sure if there is air coming through or if its the vibration of the engine creating the bubbles.
Let the experts here decide
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The_BigBoy (01-15-2021)
#5
Super Member
To me it looks like you have air coming through the treads of the bolt. I think the bolt is loose and wasn't tightened properly during assembly. The reason I say is that the squeeze out of the gasket material in that area where the bolt is located (marked red in pic) seem lower than the in a section farther to the right. (marked blue)
If that is the case make sure to document it and take the info to Mercedes and see if they are willing to reduce the cost even more.
I could also be wrong because the gasket material is applied toward the crank case when going around the threaded holes.
That only one bolt is loose is unlikely because the bolts are usually torqued to spec right away w/o being pre-torqued.
If that is the case make sure to document it and take the info to Mercedes and see if they are willing to reduce the cost even more.
I could also be wrong because the gasket material is applied toward the crank case when going around the threaded holes.
That only one bolt is loose is unlikely because the bolts are usually torqued to spec right away w/o being pre-torqued.
Last edited by sventastic82; 01-15-2021 at 11:12 AM.
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The_BigBoy (01-15-2021)
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
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2012 C63 P31 Sedan
Wow that's a ton of labor cost. Might be worth shopping around. If you have private or performance shops nearby that specialize in AMG you'll likely find better rates. Just do your homework on the shops.
Hand built engine is a two-sided sword. People make mistakes far more than a machine, but machines don't quite have the feedback (yet) of a person.
Hand built engine is a two-sided sword. People make mistakes far more than a machine, but machines don't quite have the feedback (yet) of a person.
Here's a video of our close cousin, the M159, being assembled:
At 4:20, you will see the step where sealant is applied, followed by the torqueing sequence. Looks pretty automated/computer controlled to me. It's just that the volumes aren't high enough to justify full automation.
Unrelated: That dude's eyes are a thing of nightmares.
Last edited by BalanBro; 01-15-2021 at 01:04 PM.
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The_BigBoy (01-15-2021)
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Lol that's my exceptional MS paint skills right there. Did you image search this or find the thread I put it in? The member had the same leak as do I (for many many years) and a few others I know. Fortunately the undertray collects it and I just wipe it up ever so often.
You can try cleaning it and using an exterior gasket sealer like --> https://www.permatex.com/products/ad...air/?locale=en
Which bolt? Some have mentioned engine mount adapter bolts being too long that end up cracking the bedpan causing oil to seep out from around it.
You can try cleaning it and using an exterior gasket sealer like --> https://www.permatex.com/products/ad...air/?locale=en
Which bolt? Some have mentioned engine mount adapter bolts being too long that end up cracking the bedpan causing oil to seep out from around it.
Has this issue given you any problems down the road other than something else to clean every so often?
I was looking into that engine sealant but wasn't sure if it would be frowned upon in the AMG community......
As for the bolt its where the Upper Pan connects to the Bedplate.
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
To me it looks like you have air coming through the treads of the bolt. I think the bolt is loose and wasn't tightened properly during assembly. The reason I say is that the squeeze out of the gasket material in that area where the bolt is located (marked red in pic) seem lower than the in a section farther to the right. (marked blue)
If that is the case make sure to document it and take the info to Mercedes and see if they are willing to reduce the cost even more.
I could also be wrong because the gasket material is applied toward the crank case when going around the threaded holes.
That only one bolt is loose is unlikely because the bolts are usually torqued to spec right away w/o being pre-torqued.
If that is the case make sure to document it and take the info to Mercedes and see if they are willing to reduce the cost even more.
I could also be wrong because the gasket material is applied toward the crank case when going around the threaded holes.
That only one bolt is loose is unlikely because the bolts are usually torqued to spec right away w/o being pre-torqued.
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yeah, this is a common-ish leak.
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The_BigBoy (01-15-2021)
#11
It’s your car dude
I find it pretty hilarious that you think somehow the dealer should take responsibility. They didn’t build the car or cause the issue. That is a massive job and requires a certain amount of expertise to do properly. Why should the tech or dealer give you a break for something that’s A) not their fault and B) not their car. Sorry you have this issue but the manufacturer is probably the only “liable” party here besides yourself.
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
I find it pretty hilarious that you think somehow the dealer should take responsibility. They didn’t build the car or cause the issue. That is a massive job and requires a certain amount of expertise to do properly. Why should the tech or dealer give you a break for something that’s A) not their fault and B) not their car. Sorry you have this issue but the manufacturer is probably the only “liable” party here besides yourself.
That's exactly what a dealer is for. To negotiate the transaction between the manufacture and the end user. In this case, the responsibility of the flaw.
Maybe the manufacture can swallow some of the labour, which, the dealer passes onto the end user.
#13
Quality first post
That's exactly what a dealer is for. To negotiate the transaction between the manufacture and the end user. In this case, the responsibility of the flaw.
Maybe the manufacture can swallow some of the labour, which, the dealer passes onto the end user.
That's exactly what a dealer is for. To negotiate the transaction between the manufacture and the end user. In this case, the responsibility of the flaw.
Maybe the manufacture can swallow some of the labour, which, the dealer passes onto the end user.
#14
Junior Member
Thread Starter
I find it pretty hilarious that you think somehow the dealer should take responsibility. They didn’t build the car or cause the issue. That is a massive job and requires a certain amount of expertise to do properly. Why should the tech or dealer give you a break for something that’s A) not their fault and B) not their car. Sorry you have this issue but the manufacturer is probably the only “liable” party here besides yourself.
No where was I upset with the dealer. I was actually shocked that they would be helping me out by giving me a 10% discount.
Mercedes of Draper has always taken care of me.
#16
MBWorld Fanatic!
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The_BigBoy (01-15-2021)
#18
Senior Member
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The_BigBoy (01-16-2021)
#19
Senior Member
I tend to take my quality control very seriously and would be mortified if I had built that engine.
I’ve a reputation to keep.
I remember the other thing I wanted to say.
OP: Don’t buy an Audi. I’ve never had one that didn’t leak something. You can always tell where there’s been a bunch of Audis at a car meet. I used to troll my little brother when he’d send me a picture of his S4 with other Audis. I’d ask how much oil was leaked in the making of that picture.
Last edited by The Machinist; 01-16-2021 at 05:27 PM.
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The_BigBoy (01-16-2021)
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The_BigBoy (01-16-2021)
#22
At 30,000 miles no matter how old the car is, this is a manufacturing oversight As long as the engine has never been opened up. I would expect some good faith.
I tend to take my quality control very seriously and would be mortified if I had built that engine.
I’ve a reputation to keep.
I remember the other thing I wanted to say.
OP: Don’t buy an Audi. I’ve never had one that didn’t leak something. You can always tell where there’s been a bunch of Audis at a car meet. I used to troll my little brother when he’d send me a picture of his S4 with other Audis. I’d ask how much oil was leaked in the making of that picture.
I tend to take my quality control very seriously and would be mortified if I had built that engine.
I’ve a reputation to keep.
I remember the other thing I wanted to say.
OP: Don’t buy an Audi. I’ve never had one that didn’t leak something. You can always tell where there’s been a bunch of Audis at a car meet. I used to troll my little brother when he’d send me a picture of his S4 with other Audis. I’d ask how much oil was leaked in the making of that picture.
#23
Junior Member
Thread Starter
At 30,000 miles no matter how old the car is, this is a manufacturing oversight As long as the engine has never been opened up. I would expect some good faith.
I tend to take my quality control very seriously and would be mortified if I had built that engine.
I’ve a reputation to keep.
I remember the other thing I wanted to say.
OP: Don’t buy an Audi. I’ve never had one that didn’t leak something. You can always tell where there’s been a bunch of Audis at a car meet. I used to troll my little brother when he’d send me a picture of his S4 with other Audis. I’d ask how much oil was leaked in the making of that picture.
I tend to take my quality control very seriously and would be mortified if I had built that engine.
I’ve a reputation to keep.
I remember the other thing I wanted to say.
OP: Don’t buy an Audi. I’ve never had one that didn’t leak something. You can always tell where there’s been a bunch of Audis at a car meet. I used to troll my little brother when he’d send me a picture of his S4 with other Audis. I’d ask how much oil was leaked in the making of that picture.
No good faith from MBusa. Spoke with them and so did the dealership. Came back with "there is nothing we can do. Have a great day"......
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The_BigBoy (01-16-2021)
#25
Senior Member
I would say that most don’t. VW used to. Since “dieselgate” they have become a different company. I got screwed by them recently over an obviously defective DMF. Don’t **** with a machinist who has access to a CMM, then try to tell him that he’s wrong, and 8mm of axial play is totally ok and not the cause of his issues.