I have a 2015 E400 4MATIC Sedan, M276TT. I am well aware of the common problem being the upper timing cover leaking oil onto the electrical components below (alternator, ECU, etc).
I just went to my local indy shop in New England (USA), and they found the upper timing cover gasket leaking oil onto the camshaft sensor. (Pics attached)
They recommended that I replace the gaskets themselves, along with 4 cam magnets, 4 cam sensors, 6 upper intake gaskets, 6 lower intake gaskets, along with the sealant spray.
With parts and labor, they quoted me $~2,000.00 USD in total.
Here are my questions though:
- Has anyone else gotten the full job done? If so, if you feel comfortable saying, how much did you pay in total?
- FCP Euro sells two kits: The Camshaft Sensor Wiring Harness Protection Kit (which contains the 4 sensors, [Part #2769050900] and Electronic Cleaning Spray from Liqui-Moly)
and the Camshaft Solenoid Wiring Harness Protection Kit (which contains the 4 cam magnets, [Part #2761560790] and Electronic Cleaning Spray from Liqui-Moly). [Pics attached]
- 1st question: As a current graduate student in university, is it worth replacing all these parts at once? I am not hesitant to do preventative maintenance, but at the same time I do not want to spend $$$ if I don't have to on parts.
- 2nd question: Aside from the parts listed above in the two FCP Euro Kits, I am looking to identify exactly which gaskets I would need to replace. On FCP Euro, one is L-shaped and has the part number #2761840080. They also sell another one for my engine that is circle-shaped and has the part number #0209970545. Do I need to buy both of these gaskts? If so, how many of each should I buy?
- Finally, where do I buy this "sealant spray" that seals the upper timing cover and prevents more oil from leaking out? Is it expensive?
- I knew of this problem on the M276 for a while, but I am just looking to get the details straightened out. I am still new to this, so I appreciate any help.
I have a 2015 E400 4MATIC Sedan, M276TT. I am well aware of the common problem being the upper timing cover leaking oil onto the electrical components below (alternator, ECU, etc).
I just went to my local indy shop in New England (USA), and they found the upper timing cover gasket leaking oil onto the camshaft sensor. (Pics attached)
They recommended that I replace the gaskets themselves, along with 4 cam magnets, 4 cam sensors, 6 upper intake gaskets, 6 lower intake gaskets, along with the sealant spray.
With parts and labor, they quoted me $~2,000.00 USD in total.
Here are my questions though:
- Has anyone else gotten the full job done? If so, if you feel comfortable saying, how much did you pay in total?
- FCP Euro sells two kits: The Camshaft Sensor Wiring Harness Protection Kit (which contains the 4 sensors, [Part #2769050900] and Electronic Cleaning Spray from Liqui-Moly)
and the Camshaft Solenoid Wiring Harness Protection Kit (which contains the 4 cam magnets, [Part #2761560790] and Electronic Cleaning Spray from Liqui-Moly). [Pics attached]
- 1st question: As a current graduate student in university, is it worth replacing all these parts at once? I am not hesitant to do preventative maintenance, but at the same time I do not want to spend $$$ if I don't have to on parts.
- 2nd question: Aside from the parts listed above in the two FCP Euro Kits, I am looking to identify exactly which gaskets I would need to replace. On FCP Euro, one is L-shaped and has the part number #2761840080. They also sell another one for my engine that is circle-shaped and has the part number #0209970545. Do I need to buy both of these gaskts? If so, how many of each should I buy?
- Finally, where do I buy this "sealant spray" that seals the upper timing cover and prevents more oil from leaking out? Is it expensive?
- I knew of this problem on the M276 for a while, but I am just looking to get the details straightened out. I am still new to this, so I appreciate any help.
First thing I would do is to get a couple of cans of cleaner and get all that dirt and oil off the various parts of the engine so that you can see where the leaks actually are. No use fixing something if it isn't a problem. Look particularly at your alternator for any signs of oil leakage. I paid $1202 to an indy shop this year to replace the cam magnets, wiring protection harnesses, (I supplied both of those), sealed the cam covers and installed the cam solenoids, and cleaned the oil off of the alternator.that covered all the existing, visible leaks on the engine. I did not have the engine timing cover resealed, not a problem on my engine. Keep in mind that my car is not a turbo..
Exactly what @Sunnyslope48 said clean the pig to see where are active leaks... don't use water. Connectors seals are NOT waterproof!!
Beware of internal leaks: "$10k oil in harness" is worse than oily ALT.
Inspect "magnet" solenoids for leaks
Install new sensors at CPS with extensions pigtails.
If upper timing covers seals must come open at least replace the cheap Tensioners and test VVT locks while CPS are out. No need in redoing most of this next month, right?
In addition schedule replacement of the PCV system before new leaks include rear main seal ($$$$) - High Crankcase blow-by pressure needs venting.
Consider what better oiling can do for your engine.
Exactly what @Sunnyslope48 said clean the pig to see where are active leaks... don't use water. Connectors seals are NOT waterproof!!
Beware of internal leaks: "$10k oil in harness" is worse than oily ALT.
Inspect "magnet" solenoids for leaks
Install new sensors at CPS with extensions pigtails.
If upper timing covers seals must come open at least replace the cheap Tensioners and test VVT locks while CPS are out. No need in redoing most of this next month, right?
In addition schedule replacement of the PCV system before new leaks include rear main seal ($$$$) - High Crankcase blow-by pressure needs venting.
Consider what better oiling can do for your engine.
Yes and use contact cleaners (preferably those rated for live wires/live connection).
@CaliBenzDriver Got it. How many of each of the 2 timing cover gaskets that I had screenshots of do I need to purchase? 1 of each? 1 of the first one, 2 of the second one? etc
@CaliBenzDriver Got it. How many of each of the 2 timing cover gaskets that I had screenshots of do I need to purchase? 1 of each? 1 of the first one, 2 of the second one? etc
Not to be confused: there are 3x timing covers....
two upper timing covers (always leaks)
one main timing cover (major work)
I think here you're concerned with the uppers.
-- They do not use a pre-made gasket but instead use a liquid silicone applied by hand.
-- The fasteners are aluminum screws tightened with two fingers...it always leaks!
DON'T WASTE YOUR FREE TIME....
When you need to go in there, kill two-birds dont just dismantle your engine for one item.
Carry out the associated maintenance items.
> When you pop INTAKE PLENUM... :
deal with (new) air filter
check failed vac. pump check-valve
ignition tune-up with easy access
> When you pop TIMING COVERS do...:
replace CPS + pigtails
new chain tensioners
(check intake VVT locks)
(check solenoids plug for leaks)
....
> Serpentine BELT KIT ...:
belt
tensioner
idlers
Then your are ahead on your engine maintenance so you can deal with front suspensions.
The culprit, aside from the VVT magnet o-rings and camshaft position sensors and its o-ring............
One time use VVT magnet bolts, do pay attention.
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
