Low oil pressure
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3
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Low oil pressure
I have a 300te '91. Things were fine then after an oil change voila, low oil pressure. After two opinions and one actual reading of low oil pressure, I had the mechanic check the pan and screen. When he opened it up he saw a multitude of pieces of plastic apparently from the timing chain aparratus and he thinks that under strain this may be the reason for the low readings. But now it is difficult to check the pressures as running it without the proper tension fro the chain could lead to catastrophic problems. What do you think about replacing the chain and other parts for just over 1000.00, even though there may be a possibility that the cam bearings are bad by now?
any suggestions are appreciated
any suggestions are appreciated
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I have a 300te '91. Things were fine then after an oil change voila, low oil pressure. After two opinions and one actual reading of low oil pressure, I had the mechanic check the pan and screen. When he opened it up he saw a multitude of pieces of plastic apparently from the timing chain aparratus and he thinks that under strain this may be the reason for the low readings. But now it is difficult to check the pressures as running it without the proper tension fro the chain could lead to catastrophic problems. What do you think about replacing the chain and other parts for just over 1000.00, even though there may be a possibility that the cam bearings are bad by now?
any suggestions are appreciated
any suggestions are appreciated
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Northern California
It changes all the time
Question #1 is who changed the oil? Question #2 is what brand filter was used? This topic has been covered before. Cheap *** oil filters from your local Slam Auto store can cause low oil pressure and possible engine damage.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Low oil pressure - fixed!
After three opinions as to pressure actual pressure was measured after another oil change with oem filter. 1/2 of normal pressures. I then asked the mechanic to drop the pan and check if there was anything in the screen. He agreed as the only other option was rebuild or rebuy. In the pan they found two handfuls of plastic, which were broken pieces of the timing chain guides. Apparently they broke as the chain became lax and banged against them. Anyway the pressure was fine after removing the pieces from the pan. Now after changing the timing chain and guides for a mere 1100.00 the car runs like new and pegs the oil pressure.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Northern California
It changes all the time
After three opinions as to pressure actual pressure was measured after another oil change with oem filter. 1/2 of normal pressures. I then asked the mechanic to drop the pan and check if there was anything in the screen. He agreed as the only other option was rebuild or rebuy. In the pan they found two handfuls of plastic, which were broken pieces of the timing chain guides. Apparently they broke as the chain became lax and banged against them. Anyway the pressure was fine after removing the pieces from the pan. Now after changing the timing chain and guides for a mere 1100.00 the car runs like new and pegs the oil pressure.
