GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

what could be leaking, photo of 2007 GL450

Old Oct 24, 2022 | 08:42 AM
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2007 GL450
what could be leaking, photo of 2007 GL450

While replacing engine oil yesterday, noticed oil stains on the underbody shield.
When looking up, I saw oil dripping from the AC compressor and a hose connecting to the radiator.
Seems like engine oil.
The AC compressor was replaced in 2018 at MB dealer,
just few months ago I replaced oil filter housing seal, oil cooler seal, steering fluid reservoir & o ring.

The only possibility I can think of is the two cam position sensor seals
any other possibilities? Thanks in advance.



oil dripping from Hose and AC compressor
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 11:27 AM
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You addressed the heavy hitters already. It may just be leftover from those leaks. Maybe clean everything up the best you can and keep an eye on it.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 11:53 AM
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2007 GL450
Yes after replacing all those gaskets few months ago, I actually drove it without the underbody plastic shield and did not see any stains on ground for few weeks. Then I put the shield back.

btw this is the first time I drain the engine oil from the drain plug. pretty easy.
maybe not as convenient as the dip stick tube method since there is no need to jack up or removing the shield.
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Old Oct 24, 2022 | 08:20 PM
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Whatever it is it is above and in front of where you found it. Oil does not migrate upwards, nor does it go forward.
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Old Oct 25, 2022 | 08:04 AM
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2007 GL450
just noticed that the oil stain on the hose is mostly dry, probably from old leak.
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by texas008
Yes after replacing all those gaskets few months ago, I actually drove it without the underbody plastic shield and did not see any stains on ground for few weeks. Then I put the shield back.

btw this is the first time I drain the engine oil from the drain plug. pretty easy.
maybe not as convenient as the dip stick tube method since there is no need to jack up or removing the shield.
If you didn’t know, the crush washer on the drain plug is replaced, never reused.

Germans use crush washers everywhere it seems, and they are somewhat magical items that perform two functions at once … fluid seal and lock washer. They don’t do either a second time. The specified tightening torque is the force required to crush them.

Last edited by lkchris; Oct 26, 2022 at 06:03 PM.
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by lkchris
If you didn’t know, the crush washer on the drain plug is replaced, never reused.

Germans use crush washers everywhere it seems, and they are somewhat magical items that perform two functions at once … fluid seal and lock washer. They don’t do either a second time. The specified tightening torque is the force required to crush them.
yes I even used a new drain plug in addition to the new copper washer.
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Old Oct 26, 2022 | 06:42 PM
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Oil drip on the compressor looks pretty clean. Doesn't look like it's from the engine.

As other said, try and get a rag in there and clean it up. Spray a bit of brake cleaner on the rag. Then monitor.
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 07:52 AM
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2007 GL450
Originally Posted by alive19
Oil drip on the compressor looks pretty clean. Doesn't look like it's from the engine.

As other said, try and get a rag in there and clean it up. Spray a bit of brake cleaner on the rag. Then monitor.
could be power steering fluid then.
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Old Oct 27, 2022 | 05:43 PM
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GL320 2007
Originally Posted by alive19
Oil drip on the compressor looks pretty clean. Doesn't look like it's from the engine.

As other said, try and get a rag in there and clean it up. Spray a bit of brake cleaner on the rag. Then monitor.
Sorry, I'm an idiot and assume every GL is a diesel, and therefore the oil should always be pitch black. I know nothing about the gas motor.
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