GL320 CDI - Looking for advice to confirm suspected Rear main oil seal leak
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Columbia, SC
72' 350 SL, 04' E320, 08' GL320 CDI
GL320 CDI - Looking for advice to confirm suspected Rear main oil seal leak
I have confirmed I have oil dripping from inside the bell housing. My question is it possible my oil leak is coming from somewhere other than the rear main seal?.... Can something else be the culprit and migrate down through the bell housing?... Thank you in advance for your experience and advice.
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Joined: Jun 2016
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From: Orlando, Florida
2005 E320 CDI (SOLD); 2008 ML320 CDI 4MATIC
I'd suspect a component in engine valley where oil cooler lives (which is notorious for leaky seals from what I've read). Oil pools in valley, then cascades to rear of engine & drains down path of least resistance outside of bellhousing on driver's side (USA vehicle).
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
Can a drip from INSIDE the bell housing still be something else, other than the rear main seal? I have the same drip as you, Cars. It's never enough to drip onto the driveway, but it is always present on the lower lip of the bell housing and it does NOT drip down the outside of the housing.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
It is my understanding that the joint between the engine and the bell housing is NOT gasketed. Therefore, oil from the V6 'valley' can, and does, get into that space. It runs (drips) out the lowest point.
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
Thanks - I figure it wasn't gasketed - just wasn't sure how tight of a fit it actually is and whether oil would follow a "path of least resistance" down the side, instead. I had cleaned the turbo intake area, where the intake box attaches, a little while ago. I'll have to go back and look for leaks. The seal "seemed" OK, but who knows.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
In my case, at least, that would mean the shop that just replaced them either didn't do it, or did a poor job. When I bought the vehicle, they said they had done the seals because they were leaking. The oil leak has been there since day one of my ownership.
I would imagine there's lot's of info out there on this, but are they relatively easy to check? I'm imagining their kinda buried?
I would imagine there's lot's of info out there on this, but are they relatively easy to check? I'm imagining their kinda buried?
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Joined: Jan 2016
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From: San Jose Villanueva, El Salvador, Central America
MB GL 320 CDI 2007 & MB ML 320 2000
Hi.
I changed the rear crankshaft seal of my 2007 GL 320 CDI, but the leak continues. Mechanic says there is wear on the shaft. He says there is kit that brings a circular shim and a tool kit to install it. Do you know where can I buy such a kit.
Best regards.
I changed the rear crankshaft seal of my 2007 GL 320 CDI, but the leak continues. Mechanic says there is wear on the shaft. He says there is kit that brings a circular shim and a tool kit to install it. Do you know where can I buy such a kit.
Best regards.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 13
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From: Providence Ky
2009 Mercedes Benz GL 320 Bluetec
wow thats pretty amazing...... I have just purchased this 2009 GL 320 CDI with 133K miles on it and so far im very dissapointed, Im having to replace timing chain and tensioner already.........
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 33
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From: San Jose Villanueva, El Salvador, Central America
MB GL 320 CDI 2007 & MB ML 320 2000
Thank God, it has been a sturdy motor. The only disappointing problem with the car has been with the transmission. Last year I replaced the computer inside and spent about $2500 with the dealer to install it and program it and they could not make it run good. I bought the speed sensors, had a n indie change them in the old board and now runs great. Indie+spares cost me $400
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
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From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
If you think that's disappointing, I had to replace my timing chain at 55,000 miles! That's disappointing! If you need a guide for a job, I did a write-up and posted it to the diesel forum.
For the OP, I agree this sounds like oil cooler seals. Before you go that route though, check the turbo air inlet seal (the red, round one.) Mine was leaking and causing a similar oil drip.
For the OP, I agree this sounds like oil cooler seals. Before you go that route though, check the turbo air inlet seal (the red, round one.) Mine was leaking and causing a similar oil drip.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 4
From: Florida
2007 Gl320 CDI 160k miles
I thought the same thing when my turbo inlet seal was busted and leaking down around the bell housing and even inside the bell housing. The trick is to pull the rubber plug on the lower side of the bell housing and see if it is running down the flywheel or back of the block. Then check the turbo inlet seal which is commonly busted. The PCV valve will allow oil particles into the turbo and they run out and down to the "valley" above the oil cooler, run down the back of the block, through the bell housing and down the driver's side of the transmission and onto the pavement/concrete. You may invest in a boroscope from eBay. They are only ~$20 and you can see the oil cooler to see if it is indeed leaking and run it up from the bottom to see if the oil is originating above the bell housing.
I just purchased a Gl320 with 160k miles and was happy to see that you have 250k miles on yours.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
I just purchased a Gl320 with 160k miles and was happy to see that you have 250k miles on yours.
Good luck and let us know what you find.
