Valve Cover and Head Gasket tips?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
W163 - ML320 - 1999
Valve Cover and Head Gasket tips?
Hey everyone!
Once again on my never ending list to upgrade and keep my 98' ML running like new, I have discovered that there is a leak coming from the oil breather cover near the fill port for the oil. In addition, it seems like the original vehicle owner used some form of red RTV on the cylinder head cover instead of getting a gasket and now some of the RTV is sticking out leading to some leaks near the bottom of the vehicle....
As usual, I like doing all my work myself and thus I was wondering if you all had any tips for the job?
So far I have been able to find that I need the following:
- Mercedes RTV for the oil breather cover
- new M5 x .8 x 20mm long screws for the oil breather cover since I don't think I can reuse the ones already there?
- and a new gaskets for the cylinder head
Thanks for the assistance guys!
Once again on my never ending list to upgrade and keep my 98' ML running like new, I have discovered that there is a leak coming from the oil breather cover near the fill port for the oil. In addition, it seems like the original vehicle owner used some form of red RTV on the cylinder head cover instead of getting a gasket and now some of the RTV is sticking out leading to some leaks near the bottom of the vehicle....
As usual, I like doing all my work myself and thus I was wondering if you all had any tips for the job?
So far I have been able to find that I need the following:
- Mercedes RTV for the oil breather cover
- new M5 x .8 x 20mm long screws for the oil breather cover since I don't think I can reuse the ones already there?
- and a new gaskets for the cylinder head
Thanks for the assistance guys!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
W163 - ML320 - 1999
Awesome! Thank you!
UPDATE: It took me quite some time to get around to the fix but I'm happy to report that gaskets have been fixed and the car is oil-leak free! Had a slight issue with one of the small aluminum bolts shearing off as I mounted the oil breather cover back on but I did have an extra bolt lying around and I was able to drill the sheared aluminum bolt back out with a little bit of patience and careful effort.
Thank you again!
UPDATE: It took me quite some time to get around to the fix but I'm happy to report that gaskets have been fixed and the car is oil-leak free! Had a slight issue with one of the small aluminum bolts shearing off as I mounted the oil breather cover back on but I did have an extra bolt lying around and I was able to drill the sheared aluminum bolt back out with a little bit of patience and careful effort.
Thank you again!
Last edited by Michael Vanegas; Jan 9, 2021 at 12:34 PM.
