Oil in Coolant......
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
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From: Weston Super Mud
E320 CDI
Oil in Coolant......
Hi everyone,
New to the forum.
I've had my 2003 E320CDI for the past 2.5 years with no mechanical issues.
However, yesterday while checking all the fluid levels, I noticed that the coolant reservoir was full of Oil. I pocked my finger in a few times and it was just black
I last checked the coolant and oil levels wkc 3rd July (all was well) and since then she's been driving fine with no warning lights or temperature issues, AC's work fine hot and cold. So I would say its happened within the last two weeks.
Could it be the headgasket gone or going? Anyone had the same issue and or able to shed some light on it?
Thanks
New to the forum.
I've had my 2003 E320CDI for the past 2.5 years with no mechanical issues.
However, yesterday while checking all the fluid levels, I noticed that the coolant reservoir was full of Oil. I pocked my finger in a few times and it was just black
I last checked the coolant and oil levels wkc 3rd July (all was well) and since then she's been driving fine with no warning lights or temperature issues, AC's work fine hot and cold. So I would say its happened within the last two weeks.
Could it be the headgasket gone or going? Anyone had the same issue and or able to shed some light on it?
Thanks
Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 154
Likes: 14
From: Stockton CA
92 W124 500E, 93 W201 190E, 11 C207 E350, 05 W211 E55
carefully check condition of motor oil for coolant contamination as well. Are you sure it isn't transmission oil in the coolant? we have seen coolant contamination due to a crack in the internal trans cooler area inside the radiator. When you replace your components you will need to do a thorough cooling system flush with special MBZ chemical..
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Weston Super Mud
E320 CDI
Thanks for the reply, the motor oil seemed absolutely fine.
I'm dropping it off to a local MB specialist so will have them look closely at the trans cooler. I'll feedback what they find.
I'm dropping it off to a local MB specialist so will have them look closely at the trans cooler. I'll feedback what they find.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Oil cooler, Head Gasket, Cracked block,
I don't think the oil goes to the radiator, and A hope your ATF is not "diesel oil black"
I don't think the oil goes to the radiator, and A hope your ATF is not "diesel oil black"
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 3
2006 4Matic wagon Elegance, Infiniti 2004 G35 Sport, 1969 Jaguar XKE (s) 1988 Camaro Convert (s)
Oil in coolant
Hi everyone,
New to the forum.
I've had my 2003 E320CDI for the past 2.5 years with no mechanical issues.
However, yesterday while checking all the fluid levels, I noticed that the coolant reservoir was full of Oil. I pocked my finger in a few times and it was just black
I last checked the coolant and oil levels wkc 3rd July (all was well) and since then she's been driving fine with no warning lights or temperature issues, AC's work fine hot and cold. So I would say its happened within the last two weeks.
Could it be the headgasket gone or going? Anyone had the same issue and or able to shed some light on it?
Thanks
New to the forum.
I've had my 2003 E320CDI for the past 2.5 years with no mechanical issues.
However, yesterday while checking all the fluid levels, I noticed that the coolant reservoir was full of Oil. I pocked my finger in a few times and it was just black
I last checked the coolant and oil levels wkc 3rd July (all was well) and since then she's been driving fine with no warning lights or temperature issues, AC's work fine hot and cold. So I would say its happened within the last two weeks.
Could it be the headgasket gone or going? Anyone had the same issue and or able to shed some light on it?
Thanks
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Did they find something that was actually bad, or is that just the shot-gun aimed at the oil cooler seals?
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 44
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2006 4Matic wagon Elegance, Infiniti 2004 G35 Sport, 1969 Jaguar XKE (s) 1988 Camaro Convert (s)
The oil filter housing was cracked. They did the orings and gaskets when they removed the water pump for cleaning. Thermostat housing inlet was cracked. The expansion tank cap (original) was impossible to clean. The tank itself was cleaned to pristine new condition. Very happy with the results.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
My point was that engine oil does not flow through the radiator, and if your ATF is as black as diesel engine oil, you have a whole nother problem.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 20
18 GLC300 4M
I have the same issue with an 06 gas version noticed when just having other service performed at my dealer. They pointed o the transmission cooler, but were not 100% sure so they flushed, filled, provided an additive and insisted I return the car in 1K to recheck ( Free ) . If no contamination then continue to drive and check regularly. It is possible that there is an intermittent seal leak that would cost thousands to dismantle and replace, so they want to approach cautiously and not throw money at it. I consider this good advice since we drive the car for local personal use only and never stray too far from the dealers range. With 128K on a car that has otherwise been very reliable I'm choosing to not take everything as an emergency that causes me to spend big bucks or buy a new car, which I don't need.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
I have the same issue with an 06 gas version noticed when just having other service performed at my dealer. They pointed o the transmission cooler, but were not 100% sure so they flushed, filled, provided an additive and insisted I return the car in 1K to recheck ( Free ) . If no contamination then continue to drive and check regularly. It is possible that there is an intermittent seal leak that would cost thousands to dismantle and replace, so they want to approach cautiously and not throw money at it. I consider this good advice since we drive the car for local personal use only and never stray too far from the dealers range. With 128K on a car that has otherwise been very reliable I'm choosing to not take everything as an emergency that causes me to spend big bucks or buy a new car, which I don't need.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Then it is not your radiator.
Easiest fix is the seals on the oil cooler, followed by the cooler itself, followed by the oil filter mount and/or its seals, followed by a bad head gasket, followed by a cracked head, followed by a cracked block.
I would never trust magic liquid sealer stuff in a car I was not ready to sell.
All the stuff before the head gasket you can do on a weekend with a good set of hand tools.
Easiest fix is the seals on the oil cooler, followed by the cooler itself, followed by the oil filter mount and/or its seals, followed by a bad head gasket, followed by a cracked head, followed by a cracked block.
I would never trust magic liquid sealer stuff in a car I was not ready to sell.
All the stuff before the head gasket you can do on a weekend with a good set of hand tools.
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 20
18 GLC300 4M
Car was returned with determination of oil filter and oil cooler gasket failure. Drove for a week without problem, then yesterday got a low coolant message. So, there is a slow leak somewhere. I'm wondering why they didn't replace the water pump or thermostat gaskets when they performed the other work. Or, are those gaskets so much more difficult to access when replacing the oil filter and cooler ?
Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 84
Likes: 20
18 GLC300 4M
Result was a defective thermostat housing gasket. They replaced the housing, the gasket, and rigorously tested, now fixed. Because the return was soon after the last gasket failure there was no labor charge.
