Notices
Mercedes Tech Talk Discuss general technical questions and issues about your Mercedes-Benz. Moderated by a certified MB Tech.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Oil filter assembly draining empty

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 2, 2016 | 10:51 PM
  #1  
Mmr1's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 343
2013 glk 350
Oil filter assembly draining empty

Is it normal for the engine oil filter assembly that is on top of the motor to drain empty after about 45 minutes. I thought an antidrainback valve would prevent this. Does this draining of the filter unit mean lack of lubrication or oil pressure upon startup for a few seconds? I get more engine noise for about 4 seconds on startup.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 08:10 AM
  #2  
timballina's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
s class w220 s320 1999
Hi just reading about your problem with oil running back. I'm not 100% sure on your model but I've had the same problem on many makes and models of cars over the years and it can be as simple as the 'O' ring seals needing replacing. If the seals are perished this can cause the oil to drain back into the sump and will cause a lack of pressure and excessive noise for a few seconds as the filter gets enough oil pressure. Unfortunately a lot of mechanics don't change all the seals when carrying out a filter change ! Hope this is helpful. Tim. Motor Mechanic
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 08:50 AM
  #3  
Mmr1's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 343
2013 glk 350
I agree , the mechanic may not have replaced the seals on last oil change. That is obviously the first thing to do. If it continues after seals are replaced, then what could it be?
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 12:05 PM
  #4  
Russell Ormerod's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 131
From: Cape town
not a merc
What engine are u talking about. Usually the oil runs back within seconds.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 06:42 PM
  #5  
Mmr1's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 343
2013 glk 350
Do you mean it empties within seconds or refills. It shouldn't be emptying out. I don't know what motor it is, how do I find out? It's A 2013 glk 350 4matic.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 10:58 PM
  #6  
Russell Ormerod's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 131
From: Cape town
not a merc
272 engine. Well all the thousands of mercedes cars I have serviced when you unscrew the lid the housing is always empty the filter is never submerged in oil.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 11:01 PM
  #7  
ItalianJoe1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 1,011
From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
No if the o-rings are in good shape the filter should have oil around it. Once you release the filter and pull it up enough, the oil can drain past the o-rings and the housing will empty.

Check the small o-rings on the center of the filter cap. If they're hard/flattened out, replace them. A quality replacement filter should bring all of them, the big one for the cap and the smaller internal ones. Cheap filters only supply the larger o-ring from what I've seen.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 11:10 PM
  #8  
Russell Ormerod's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 131
From: Cape town
not a merc
I always replace all the o rings. What I am saying is once I lift the lid the oil is gone. I cannot say if there is oil in there when the lid is closed. So I presume Mmr1 is asking whether the oil should be there when the lid is off? Where the seals don't matter. In my experience once the lid is lifted the oil is gone.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 5, 2016 | 11:19 PM
  #9  
ItalianJoe1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,037
Likes: 1,011
From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
Right, the only thing keeping the filter full is those o-ring seals and whatever check valve, once you unscrew the filter you allow everything to drain down. Much less messy that way too, if the canister stayed full, it would really launch oil everywhere when you pulled out the filter.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2016 | 12:44 AM
  #10  
Russell Ormerod's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 131
From: Cape town
not a merc
Agreed. I have seen on 111 engines where the oil does not drain back. Usually when the engines have a lot of sludge build up. And yes u make a big mess when u remove the filter
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2016 | 02:06 AM
  #11  
Rocman8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 77
E55
what is your issue? rattle noise on cold start? you have an m276 engine not an m272. if you have a cold start rattle then you need the updated chain tensioners and check valves installed in the cylinder heads. under warranty?
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2016 | 09:09 AM
  #12  
Mmr1's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 343
2013 glk 350
Yes it makes a louder noise on cold start , and after its sat for an hour, just for maybe 4 seconds. And continual louder top end noise in the rear, but I guess that's just Direct Injection. Its under warranty, and extended warranty, newly purchased used "certified" 40000 miles. Dealer says its normal. I don't agree.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2016 | 10:42 AM
  #13  
Rocman8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 77
E55
It's not normal. There is a bulletin about it. Here's a link that has the bulletin copy and pasted. I've done this repair numerous times and it 100% works and there is 100% a problem with your car if it rattles for a few seconds on startup. If your dealer says normal find a new one or tell them to keep the car and start it in the morning.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/x204...old-start.html
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2016 | 12:50 PM
  #14  
Mmr1's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,584
Likes: 343
2013 glk 350
Ok thanks, they kept it a week. First they overfilled the oil about 1/4-1/2 a quart, it went over the red plastic up to on the wire. I told them, they didn't care. They said they recorded the sound and found it normal. I think I'll record it and try to post a link here. I still think it's strange or abnormal that my oil level continues to rise for an hour, and the oil filter housing is drained dry. Is it possible the noise is lack of lubrication from an empty filter housing, taking time to fill? I don't know the lubrication path so I don't know. I'll look into the buliten. Yes I'm taking it in and leaving it once I get my facts straight.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:42 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE