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It looks like my oil cooler gasket is leaking. I’m planning on doing this job in the next week or two. I’m also considering doing a water pump while the coolant is drained. I’ve got about 160k miles on it and it’s never been changed.
I’m wondering what else I should be considering taking care of while I’m in there. I did a new belt and all new pulleys/ tensioner last year. I’m seeing some wetness around the cam sensor/actuator on the passenger side, and a lot of sooty build up near the intake flap mechanism.
I believe there's actually two gaskets, I just did both, I figured if the oil cooler was going, it was just time for the other one too, it's very similar. If you haven't changed the thermostat, I'd grab a Whaler and replace it too while you're in there.
Would that be the oil filter gasket you’re talking about?
Originally Posted by cetialpha5
I believe there's actually two gaskets, I just did both, I figured if the oil cooler was going, it was just time for the other one too, it's very similar. If you haven't changed the thermostat, I'd grab a Whaler and replace it too while you're in there.
Do the water pump and thermostat and belt tensioner. Replace the cam sensors that are behind the oil cooler since it’s difficult swap otherwise and they are cheap $25.
correct two gaskets. Did mine 2 years ago and still holding up well.
Harmonic Balancer? Doubt it. Never heard of anybody needing one on the 211 chassis. Just make sure there’s no rubber wear on the back and no wobble while running.
I found instructions from fcp euro on the cooler gasket, but it doesn’t mention the filter gasket. Is it pretty obvious once you’re in there where it goes? The shape of this gasket is odd and I can’t figure out where it lives looking at it with everything still together.
I did do a thermostat 40k miles ago but it wasn’t a Genuine Mercedes part.
I’m seeing a bit of weeping at the cam sensors. Is there a specific part, or do I find some generic o-rings? The magnets look accessible with the cooler in place. Is that not the case?
Any tips on removing the steering reservoir? I’ve got the 3 bolts out and removed the return line. It looks like there is some kind of clip holding it to the pump. I can just barely see it with the coolant reservoir removed. I can’t figure out how that clip comes out. I’m trying to pull it toward me looking in from the driver side, but it’s not budging.
Any tips on removing the steering reservoir? I’ve got the 3 bolts out and removed the return line. It looks like there is some kind of clip holding it to the pump. I can just barely see it with the coolant reservoir removed. I can’t figure out how that clip comes out. I’m trying to pull it toward me looking in from the driver side, but it’s not budging.
its a spring clip with a hole if I remember for you to use a tool to grab - you just have to give it a big pull. Lots of videos on YouTube
It was a bigger clip than I expected. Was able to pull it out slightly with a vice grip, and then got a screw driver in there which was able to pry it out the rest of the way.
Got both oil gaskets done, put in 4 new cam magnets, replaced 4 cam sensor o-rings, and filled all the fluids.
Unfortunately, the lower idler pulley and the pulley on the tensioner are wobbly despite replacing them last year. I ordered those and a new belt. Won’t know if I have any leaks until I install those and test drive it.
