lashburn

Got a used GL550 about 6 months ago.
Did some research here prior to buying, seed like minimal complaints problem
Read about some Brake ROTOR is etc... factory fixed most?

My question is-
When the car has been driven for awhile. 30min or longer, when I park I think I can smell the slightest burning sensation coming from under the Hood.
No smoke, and does not smell like Brakes.
Hood and side are slightly warm after a little while if they were not already.

Gauges are reading normal temps, no warnings in the DASH

Oil looks good (also got it changed 500 miles ago.
I smelled it BEFORE the oil change.

No leaks that I can detect.
car has 84,000 miles
Help?

Larry

DC-BENZ

Well at least you "smell" a burning sensation rather than "feel" a slight burning sensation.

Does it smell like oil burning? You may have to pull the under-panels to inspect.

lashburn

I probably should have chosen better words than "Sensation" LOL

I would say more of an oil smell than brakes...
What might I be looking for, ?
Is this a known area of concern??
thanks for quick reply

DC-BENZ

Well I've only owned my GL for a couple of months but have had a 163 (ML430) and 164 (ML350 bluetec) prior to my GL350 and from my experience with the ML430 the burning oil smell came from the valve cover gasket. In my 164 I vaguely smelled oil when the oil cooler leaked but more so on the turbo seals ($10 and $30).

So I'd pull the under panels to see/feel if they have oil on them (which may indicate a leak (or spilled oil) and while the panels are off take your time to sniff and look around with the flashlight. I'm assuming you've already checked from above.

lashburn

thank you,
are those Panels Directly below the engine (almost like a skid plate?)
Basics tools, any tricks ?
I am mid skill level.

Is the Valve cover gasket a DYI?

DC-BENZ

Yep, black panels. There are probably 6 plastic bolts or less. Comes right off.

I'm not sure about the difficulty level on the x166s. I'm sure most of the time is spent removing a top layer of hoses and harnesses trying to get to the actual cover and it's bolts. I'm sure the gurus will chime in soon enough.

fabbrisd1

!st - did we catch the Model Yr of your GL550 ?\

Please check coolant level - and advise if you need to "top off" to fill mark..

If a 2013/2014 then yes - there can be a minor coolant leak detected only after full-warm-up..

At 84K miles either you have a high mileage X166 or a low mileage X164 - which is it ?

Are you under Mercedes CPO warranty - or did you buy off-the-street ?

lashburn

I have the X166 2013
I am not under any warranty, bought from used Dealer non MB

I will check Coolant, thanks for the Tip

fabbrisd1

If a 2013/2014 X166 - then yes - it is NOT uncommon for whatver "pipe" is in there to develop a minor leak - MB later changed supplier for that part later-half MY 2014

DC-BENZ

Interesting, Bluetecs included?

DC-BENZ

The smell is coolant and not burning oil?

lashburn

hmmm. good question.. it could be coolant???

lashburn

UPDATE- It was a small seal leak.
MB local tech fixed it.
$190.00 inc labor

still need to let oil residue burn off manifold for a day.
Hopefully that is it.

djay

Can you provide some details on the Coolant leak? Where was the leak from?

I can smell the coolant burning as well, but don't see anything on the face of it.
Thanks

DC-BENZ

Was it oil or coolant?

lashburn

It was Oil,
had to go back a 2nd time, the repair was still leaking.
3 weeks now , smell is gone,
Car is Great!!

DC-BENZ

Oil from where? Turbo seals?

lashburn

I believe it was up by the CAM...it was a non pressurize area according to the Mechanic, thats why no warnings or large loss of oil.