BIG RON

I have an oil leak on the front of my 97 E320. Any tips on isolating it and repairing it. I also would like to find a repair manual to help me with this problem and any others I might find. I'd like to know what I'm getting into on this leak and now I can't see anything . THANKS for any help. BIG RON

MARK CUMMINS

The Oil Leak You are talking about Sounds Like its from The front Cam Cover/headgaskit area!

Clean Off the Motor either Steam Clean or Pressure Washer
Then Inspect The leak after a short drive..the leak inQuestion should be at the Pass side of the Cylinder head at the front corner ...and maybe at the rear of the Cylinder head..
I Have Done LOTS of them..Both the 103/104 They all leak..its just when..
Lots of helpful tips on Mercedesshop.com Check It Out!
You Will Need some special tools like a Pin Puller for the front chain rail... etc..

BIG RON

Mark, Thanks for your reply. I tried to check the oil leak more closely, and it seems it is coming from either the front of the engine or the front passenger side. There seems to be some oil on the exhaust manifold between #1 and #2 cylinders which looks like it could be blowing up from underneath the manifold. I haven't had a chance to thoroughly clean the front and side of the engine to better determine the source of the leak. Do you know of any place online where I might find illustrations on how to remove the cam cover? I am hoping it is not a head gasket and since there is a little oil on the front of the engine, it may not be. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

STEVE 280 UK

HI TO YOU ALL.

MARK CUMMINGS can you explain about the oil leak,what the cause is and how to fix it, you said-
I Have Done LOTS of them..Both the 103/104 They all leak..its just when.. what help....

thanks

MARK CUMMINS

The M103/104 Engines Have Oil Leaks at theFront Cam Cover and the Cylinder Head Gaskit...They ALL Leak Its Just When They Will leak..Mercedes Changed the Headgaskit design...and The Front Cam Cover seals BUT They Still leak ...You can reseal the front cam cover and replace the headgaskit and in about 20k the oil leaks appear..Its a Design Problem..Mercedes knew about and has Done Lots of "Good Will" Replacements. The 103/104 is a Good motor it Just has Oil Leaks..

E320

So Mark. you did alot of headgasket replacement,Could pm or email me the steps on M104 engine.

MARK CUMMINS

E320 You Have Mail

E320

Thanks.It looks like alot of work.

BIG RON

Mark, could you send me that e-mail on the oil leak repair. THANKS , Big Ron

STEVE 280 UK

Mark, could you send me that e-mail on the oil leak repair. thanks again steve