RESEAL OIL COOLER (OIL COOLER LEAKING)
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2014 ML350 Bluetec, 2003 C230K
@Diabolis, I've got a 2014 ML350 Bluetec (you've helped me out before
), is there a way to tell if my ML was made with those 3rd gen Oil Cooler seals? If so, should they last the life of the car?
Last edited by jr226; Nov 21, 2023 at 01:54 PM.
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From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
Check the oil filler tube. Mine just started leaking there. Dealership wanted $750, but FCP has the part for $150 ($130 elsewhere) (6421801410) and my buddy said he's replaced a bunch of them on ML/GL's. Looks like its not too long of a job, I just ordered the repair manual to be sure.
@Diabolis, I've got a 2014 ML350 Bluetec (you've helped me out before ), is there a way to tell if my ML was made with those 3rd gen Oil Cooler seals? If so, should they last the life of the car?
@Diabolis, I've got a 2014 ML350 Bluetec (you've helped me out before
), is there a way to tell if my ML was made with those 3rd gen Oil Cooler seals? If so, should they last the life of the car?@Diabolis I would like to know about the seals as well. I have found many kits online that do not specify what gen they are. I am thinking about diving in myself next spring. Will give me time to research and have proper parts and tools. (I do have experience on other brand cars with engine rebuilds before sombody says anything)
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Joined: Jan 2011
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2014 ML350 Bluetec, 2003 C230K
I got the service manual on eBay, just ordered today. I don't think I'm supposed to post seller links, so look for "Mercedes Smart - WIS / ASRA & EPC EWA Workshop Service Repair Manual Set on USB". I bought from a US seller for ~$33, but they have overseas sellers who are selling the discs for like $6 if you're willing to wait. I haven't gotten it yet, so no idea how good/ bad it is.
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
Check the oil filler tube (edit) filter housing. Mine just started leaking there. Dealership wanted $750, but FCP has the part for $150 ($130 elsewhere) (6421801410) and my buddy said he's replaced a bunch of them on ML/GL's. Looks like its not too long of a job, I just ordered the repair manual to be sure.
@Diabolis, I've got a 2014 ML350 Bluetec (you've helped me out before ), is there a way to tell if my ML was made with those 3rd gen Oil Cooler seals? If so, should they last the life of the car?
@Diabolis, I've got a 2014 ML350 Bluetec (you've helped me out before
), is there a way to tell if my ML was made with those 3rd gen Oil Cooler seals? If so, should they last the life of the car?@jr226 where did you get your manual? And I was thinking the exact same thing about the dipstick! Will investigate that further!
@Diabolis I would like to know about the seals as well. I have found many kits online that do not specify what gen they are. I am thinking about diving in myself next spring. Will give me time to research and have proper parts and tools. (I do have experience on other brand cars with engine rebuilds before sombody says anything)
@Diabolis I would like to know about the seals as well. I have found many kits online that do not specify what gen they are. I am thinking about diving in myself next spring. Will give me time to research and have proper parts and tools. (I do have experience on other brand cars with engine rebuilds before sombody says anything)
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From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
Update!
Went to the local lube shop with the correct oil and filter to make sure the previous owner did not put the wrong and/or cheap supplies in. They were able to identify that my oil cooler line (what they called it) that threads into the block by the alternator is leaking through the treads. Does anyone have knowledge on fixing that? Is is a simple O-ring? How much oil will dump when opening it? Any special procedures associated with it?
Cheers,
Tony
Cheers,
Tony
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W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
The only oil cooler in your car is in the middle of the engine "V", and there are no oil lines to and from it. You need to find a different shop that at the very least knows what they're looking at.
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ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
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From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
I have tried to get a picture. All I get is an oil covered alternator and lower radiator hose! The pulley above that seems clean when I look from the side. I will try again today for new pictures, I sprayed off the area with parts cleaner yesterday. Hopefully I will see better, hopefully I will see nothing because I changed the oil the previous owner out in...which I believe was cheap oil and not to spec.
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The oil filter housing is up and to the right (if you're looking at it from the front) and if you have a leak there it can coat the alternator with oil, but I don't know what oil line you're talking about without seeing a pic. Or are you talking about power steering fluid, which could be leaking from the pump and does have a small cooler? Is it a hose or a hard line (pipe)? I need to see the fitting where it is leaking from...
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From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
The oil filter housing is up and to the right (if you're looking at it from the front) and if you have a leak there it can coat the alternator with oil, but I don't know what oil line you're talking about without seeing a pic. Or are you talking about power steering fluid, which could be leaking from the pump and does have a small cooler? Is it a hose or a hard line (pipe)? I need to see the fitting where it is leaking from...
On a side note, after changing the oil, the engine is running considerably better. Better starting, acceleration from stop, and fuel economy as per the onboard computer. Am I crazy to think the old oil was messing up seals?
Front of alternator and lower radiator hose fitting.
Top of alternator, side.
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Everything in that picture is doused with oil and covered in grime, but you can clearly see in both pics that all that oil is running down from higher up.
You obviously have an issue which needs to be addressed, so if you can't figure out where the leak is coming from (let alone fix it), you need to take it to a trained mechanic that can. Sorry.
You obviously have an issue which needs to be addressed, so if you can't figure out where the leak is coming from (let alone fix it), you need to take it to a trained mechanic that can. Sorry.
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From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
Everything in that picture is doused with oil and covered in grime, but you can clearly see in both pics that all that oil is running down from higher up.
You obviously have an issue which needs to be addressed, so if you can't figure out where the leak is coming from (let alone fix it), you need to take it to a trained mechanic that can. Sorry.
You obviously have an issue which needs to be addressed, so if you can't figure out where the leak is coming from (let alone fix it), you need to take it to a trained mechanic that can. Sorry.
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
A "good" cleaning means there's no more oil anywhere
As noted, though - find the highest spot - that will at least get you close. Then clean it good and re-observe.
This isn't one where you need a "specialist" mechanic - any decent mechanic can track down a leak.
Add some dye, if you want.
As noted, though - find the highest spot - that will at least get you close. Then clean it good and re-observe.
This isn't one where you need a "specialist" mechanic - any decent mechanic can track down a leak.
Add some dye, if you want.
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From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
I need One of the portable scissor lifts, gonna use it out in the street where I park!! Do a full engine rebuild there...hahahahahaha!!! Neighbors will love that.
But really, I am thinking about driving to the next town over to find a mechanic. Will need to add hotel room to the cost of repairs! Ugh!
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
I am having difficulty finding one of those too! Been trying to get the 150k service done since October! Nobody in town wants to do it.
I need One of the portable scissor lifts, gonna use it out in the street where I park!! Do a full engine rebuild there...hahahahahaha!!! Neighbors will love that.
But really, I am thinking about driving to the next town over to find a mechanic. Will need to add hotel room to the cost of repairs! Ugh!
I need One of the portable scissor lifts, gonna use it out in the street where I park!! Do a full engine rebuild there...hahahahahaha!!! Neighbors will love that.
But really, I am thinking about driving to the next town over to find a mechanic. Will need to add hotel room to the cost of repairs! Ugh!
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From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
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2014 Cummins, 2014 E250 Bluetec
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ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
Agreed, thats why I live where I live, an hour to nearest towns and one town is on a dead end road. We have drawbacks, like only having 5 mechanics and they only work on domestic vehicles and toyota trucks.
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ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
It is such a slow leak I literally dont see any fluid levels going down. I have not checked that one in a while though. Good idea.
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W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
