So figured out that the oil leak was coming from the valve cover. From my research, i found that there is no gasket but what i should do it pull the cover and seal it with permatex. Is this correct? It doesnt look too hard from what i can see, but any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

You actually do have gaskets:

This is the main gasket but I believe that we also need the PermaTex for the other part that connects to the valve cover. I would search the forum for more answers to this.

Greg

 

Correct get those gaskets from MB, they are pretty inexpensive, and not difficult to change at home

 

Greg is correct. The valve cover gasket is easy to replace and yes you do need to use Perma Tex or any other oil proof sealant on the vent covers (top half of valve covers with the vacuum hose on it). The only time consuming part is taking off the old dried up sealant material from the grooves of the vent covers specially the female grooves. Make sure its completely clean before applying the new sealant. One last tip, in order to take off the drivers side valve cover, you will need to unhook the gas line which would prevent the drivers side valve cover from coming out. I think its a 17MM nut/fitting.

 

thanks for the replies..will try and get that done in the next few weeks. Thanks!

 

Dont use any old perma tex. You need to use O2 sensor safe stuff. IIRC the real deal from the dealer is only like 20 bucks and then you wont need to worry bout it.

 

The guy at the dealer told me my heads were leaking and I would need to replace the gaskets, There is dried oil sludge in a couple spots on the valve covers on both sides, I burn a little more oil than I thought usual but I am always making sure to have it at proper level.

They quoted me $700 for the job, doesnt that seem a little high,

Is this an easy DIY, or is the heads leaking a lot different from just the valve cover gasket?

 

You need a more detailed answer from the service advisor. If your talking bout replacing the headgaskets, your in for a major amount of work. Pulling cams, exhaust, intake, all accesories that attach to the heads... far from an afternoon job for the DIY. I'd go for the easy route and replace the valve cover gaskets and breathers first and see where that gets you. The valve cover gaskets are rubber and resealable if you need to go further, so no money wasted.

 

I have been reading this forum for a number of years and I don't remember anyone needing new head gaskets. Not that it couldn't happen however, these motors are pretty bullet proof and I doubt you need them. I went into MB for an alignment with 31K on the car and was told that my front lower control busings were shot. Took it to a race shop and they were fine. Get another opinion. I'm just sayin'.

 

I will get a second opinion, but my car is closing in on 240k, so you never know what could start to leak at that high of mileage, thank you for the input, always appreciated.