1992 E300 3.0 liter engine issues
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: RI
300 E
1992 E300 3.0 liter engine issues
Hi,
New to the site and also just bought this 300 that needs work. Told it needs head gasket due to leaking oil at timing cover and head gasket area. Also it has low oil pressure when its warmed up at idle but snaps up to 1 bar at 1000 rpm. Any ideas what it might be? What hould I check for, clogged oil pump screen? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, fish
New to the site and also just bought this 300 that needs work. Told it needs head gasket due to leaking oil at timing cover and head gasket area. Also it has low oil pressure when its warmed up at idle but snaps up to 1 bar at 1000 rpm. Any ideas what it might be? What hould I check for, clogged oil pump screen? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, fish
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Montreal, Canada
260E , 1989 (for now)
Welcome. Oil leak at timing chain cover: This does not necessarily imply a head gasket job. This cover has his own sealing/gasket and there is no need to remove the engine head to stop that leak.
Head gasket will generally leak on the right side of the engine, towards the back.
Oil pressure: once the engine is warm, it is quite normal for the oil pressure to ge down to 1 or even slightly below at idle speed. it should be back up to 3 once you have reached 2,000RPM or so.
Make sure you use the proper grade of oil and cahnge oil according to the prescribed schedule.
Don't worry about the oil gauge at 1 at idle. Totally normal.
JackD
Head gasket will generally leak on the right side of the engine, towards the back.
Oil pressure: once the engine is warm, it is quite normal for the oil pressure to ge down to 1 or even slightly below at idle speed. it should be back up to 3 once you have reached 2,000RPM or so.
Make sure you use the proper grade of oil and cahnge oil according to the prescribed schedule.
Don't worry about the oil gauge at 1 at idle. Totally normal.
JackD
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Check the coolant in the coolant resevoir for oil. If oil is mixed with the coolant, you have a bad head gasket. This is a common problem.
If it's a bad head gasket, have the head checked to see if it's warped and perform any work on the valve train that's needed while the head is off.
If the timing chain cover is leaking, it will be fixed when the head gasket is replaced.
If the head gasket is replaced, have the small hose between the head and the water pump replaced at the same time. The hose is cheap but normally hard to replace. It's easy to do once the head is off.
Have the serpentine belt replaced if it's worn and also check the belt idler assembly for wear/damage while the head is off. It's much easier to work on with the head off.
Have the Flex Disks in the drive shaft checked for wear. The front one can wear out in as little as 60K.
If the front Flex Disk is replaced, have the transmission mount replaced if it's worn. The part is around $30-$40 and easy to replace when the Flex Disk is replaced.
Good luck.
If it's a bad head gasket, have the head checked to see if it's warped and perform any work on the valve train that's needed while the head is off.
If the timing chain cover is leaking, it will be fixed when the head gasket is replaced.
If the head gasket is replaced, have the small hose between the head and the water pump replaced at the same time. The hose is cheap but normally hard to replace. It's easy to do once the head is off.
Have the serpentine belt replaced if it's worn and also check the belt idler assembly for wear/damage while the head is off. It's much easier to work on with the head off.
Have the Flex Disks in the drive shaft checked for wear. The front one can wear out in as little as 60K.
If the front Flex Disk is replaced, have the transmission mount replaced if it's worn. The part is around $30-$40 and easy to replace when the Flex Disk is replaced.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: RI
300 E
Thanks alot for the things to look for. I'm pretty excited to get it.
Looking to work on this myself as much as possible. It's a 3.0 liter, anything else to look out for on this engine?
Interested in getting a good service manual. Those cd sets any good? Can anyone point in a direction to get one for this year?
Thanks again,
Fish
Looking to work on this myself as much as possible. It's a 3.0 liter, anything else to look out for on this engine?
Interested in getting a good service manual. Those cd sets any good? Can anyone point in a direction to get one for this year?
Thanks again,
Fish
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Other than the things I've mentioned, the M103 engine is bullet proof and can go for hundreds of thousands of miles if it's properly maintained.
Stick to heavier weight oils such as 10W-40, 15W-50, etc. and avoid 30 weight oils.
You can buy parts here...
http://www.buymbparts.com/
Or here...
http://www.mercedesshop.com/catalog/index.php3
Go here for technical help....
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php3
Stick to heavier weight oils such as 10W-40, 15W-50, etc. and avoid 30 weight oils.
You can buy parts here...
http://www.buymbparts.com/
Or here...
http://www.mercedesshop.com/catalog/index.php3
Go here for technical help....
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php3
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
I like the CD manual. It's cheap and packed with information. A lot of people print out the pages they need for the immediate work at hand. The information pays for itself in no time.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: RI
300 E
hi,
thanks for all the replys. picked this up today and its sweet! Nice clean shape with 104,000 miles. Ran well on 200 mile trip from ny to RI. The head gasket leak is very minor. A/c needs looking at. The oil pressure appears to be as other threads I've seen with it dipping low only at idle and comes right up with rpms so I'm not worried, engine sounds really good so its getting oil.
Couple of questions I have:
radio, factory radio with cassette, powers on, antenna extends then gives E 2 code then shuts right off and antenna goes back down. Any chance of easy fix? If not, I'll get an aftermarket cd player. Which brands blend in well with 1992 300 E ?
My drivers seat seems to be possessed! I set the seat to be comfortable and it seems alright for awhile. Then andomly, the motors will fire up , tilt and move back and forth for no reason. Not sure if it was going over bumps or as i moved in the seat, or leaned on armrest, couldnt nail down where the problem was as I was trying to pay attention to traffic and readjust the seat as my foot couldnt reach the pedal!! I later set it and disconnected wires to the seat to stabalize for now. Any ideas where the problem is?
Thanks, Fish
thanks for all the replys. picked this up today and its sweet! Nice clean shape with 104,000 miles. Ran well on 200 mile trip from ny to RI. The head gasket leak is very minor. A/c needs looking at. The oil pressure appears to be as other threads I've seen with it dipping low only at idle and comes right up with rpms so I'm not worried, engine sounds really good so its getting oil.
Couple of questions I have:
radio, factory radio with cassette, powers on, antenna extends then gives E 2 code then shuts right off and antenna goes back down. Any chance of easy fix? If not, I'll get an aftermarket cd player. Which brands blend in well with 1992 300 E ?
My drivers seat seems to be possessed! I set the seat to be comfortable and it seems alright for awhile. Then andomly, the motors will fire up , tilt and move back and forth for no reason. Not sure if it was going over bumps or as i moved in the seat, or leaned on armrest, couldnt nail down where the problem was as I was trying to pay attention to traffic and readjust the seat as my foot couldnt reach the pedal!! I later set it and disconnected wires to the seat to stabalize for now. Any ideas where the problem is?
Thanks, Fish
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Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
The possessed seat could be due to faulty switches at the door. They may be dirty or the grease has given up or the tiny springs may be broken. Try to take it apart and clean it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: RI
300 E
Hi,
Thanks for your replys. I appreciate them. Set seat so I can drive and disconnected plug till I can take door panel off to check switches.
I'm told this is a 3.0L straight six. How to I verify this? Haven't got a service manual yet. Is there an engine tag somewhere? I'm thinking of tuning up.
Where should I look to get cap,wires,plugs, etc.? Local import places? dealer only? Internet sites? I want good parts but dont want to get raked at the dealer unless I have to.
Thanks for the help.
Fish
Thanks for your replys. I appreciate them. Set seat so I can drive and disconnected plug till I can take door panel off to check switches.
I'm told this is a 3.0L straight six. How to I verify this? Haven't got a service manual yet. Is there an engine tag somewhere? I'm thinking of tuning up.
Where should I look to get cap,wires,plugs, etc.? Local import places? dealer only? Internet sites? I want good parts but dont want to get raked at the dealer unless I have to.
Thanks for the help.
Fish
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
This is where I like to get my parts:
Mercedesshop
They give rock-bottom or near-rock bottom prices for quality parts. Service is excellent.
You can get a cd service manual for your car from eBay or another member (myself included). Send me a private message if interested.
Mercedesshop
They give rock-bottom or near-rock bottom prices for quality parts. Service is excellent.
You can get a cd service manual for your car from eBay or another member (myself included). Send me a private message if interested.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: RI
300 E
Thanks sent you a private message.
Looks like I do need to take the head off as I see oil in the radiator overflow bottle. Seems like an easy engine to work on. How do I verify it is a 3.0 L? Where is the engine tag /code?
Thanks, Jeff
Looks like I do need to take the head off as I see oil in the radiator overflow bottle. Seems like an easy engine to work on. How do I verify it is a 3.0 L? Where is the engine tag /code?
Thanks, Jeff
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Middlefield, CT
1994 E320
Engine number can be found in several places. Easiest to find is in the back of the service book. The Fahrzeugdaten card should be glued to the last page of the book. Look at 'Motor-Nr.' Should be 103.983 based on year and model.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
Another way may be to look at some 92 300E's on eBay. Very often there's a picture with the hood open. I suppose the only options for your car are the 3.0L or 2.6L engine.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Abu Dhabi
E280 1998
My friends car has a similar problem and his mechanic say it leaks from a part he called "cooler" where engine oil is supposed to be cooled by the radiator, it is about the size of a fist and comes with a rubber seal.
Can anybody help me find this seal? or at least it is name or number.
Last edited by youseffex; Apr 16, 2008 at 08:22 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville, AL
2005 E320 CDI
Hi,
New to the site and also just bought this 300 that needs work. Told it needs head gasket due to leaking oil at timing cover and head gasket area. Also it has low oil pressure when its warmed up at idle but snaps up to 1 bar at 1000 rpm. Any ideas what it might be? What hould I check for, clogged oil pump screen? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, fish
New to the site and also just bought this 300 that needs work. Told it needs head gasket due to leaking oil at timing cover and head gasket area. Also it has low oil pressure when its warmed up at idle but snaps up to 1 bar at 1000 rpm. Any ideas what it might be? What hould I check for, clogged oil pump screen? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, fish
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 3
From: North NJ
94 Wagon and 94 Cabriolet
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
Fred, I admire your good manners welcoming fish to the board, but the welcome is about 4 years late.
Anyhow, please belatedly accept my welcome to having you on the board.
Anyhow, please belatedly accept my welcome to having you on the board.
