When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi
i just bought S320 1999
found that some oil is comming out if the front of the engine.
looks like the screw shown in the photo have some kind of a seal or thread that is worn.
please help as i don't want the mechanic to open the wrong side and start replacing stuff.
Thank you
Down the engine front
It appears that the leak is from the front crankshaft seal. Repair requires a couple of special tools, so an independent shop that works on Mercedes Benz vehicles is probably the best approach.
If it's not a severe leak you can just leave it alone
all old engines leak . Chasing down one leak after another is an exercise in futility . Another leak will just spring up in a different area on a car this age
It appears that the leak is from the front crankshaft seal. Repair requires a couple of special tools, so an independent shop that works on Mercedes Benz vehicles is probably the best approach.
the oil is comming from areound the (screw) in the middle of the photo.and now i can see oil under the car in addition to the smell of burning oil.
someone tried to seal arround the (screw) with selecon as i see in the photo.
any ideas what is this screw?
thanks
Hi Samorai,
i hope you know that your timing cover is removed recently, no one can clean your upper cover like that in the picture.
i think leak is coming above these screws, isnt it? As i remeber there should be one more m8 under tensioner pulley. Better remove tensioner, belt and inspect under. I can see also your bottom cover full of oil residue. i think timing cover job was not done well.
i couldnt see any silicon there, i dont think someone tried to seal the hot engine cover with silicon?
Hi Samorai,
i hope you know that your timing cover is removed recently, no one can clean your upper cover like that in the picture.
i think leak is coming above these screws, isnt it? As i remeber there should be one more m8 under tensioner pulley. Better remove tensioner, belt and inspect under. I can see also your bottom cover full of oil residue. i think timing cover job was not done well.
i couldnt see any silicon there, i dont think someone tried to seal the hot engine cover with silicon?
Is it leaking when engine off or only running?
tbanks engindin. Didn't notice that.
The leak is actually coming from arround the screw like down under the tensioner. Not from behind. I uploaded
Screw like way below the tensioner Nithing coming down from behind tensioner Oil is splashed from the screw below to the tensioner
Some more photos might give a clear idea.
When it comes to leaks, first thing I would is figure out how bad it is. If it's slow, I wouldn't take any action (but still would try to identify it/if possible).
I''ve had cars with minor leaks for YEARS (10 years on my MPV), it does 0 harm and I don't even have to refill the oil on regular basis.
When it comes to leaks, first thing I would is figure out how bad it is. If it's slow, I wouldn't take any action (but still would try to identify it/if possible).
I''ve had cars with minor leaks for YEARS (10 years on my MPV), it does 0 harm and I don't even have to refill the oil on regular basis.
when the engine is on, one drop per second. Now i can see oil spot under the car.
One approach would be to clean the area and determine exactly where the leak is, and then take care of the leak.
A couple of possible approaches:
Scrape as much crud off as possible, then buy three or four spray cans of "brake & parts cleaner", some good rubber gloves and several rolls of paper towels. Take the usual precautions - outdoors, newspapers on the ground, eye protection, etc. Spray the top of the area, wipe off crud, repeat.
Buy some cans of "heavy-duty engine degreaser". Scrape as much crud off as possible, same precautions, spray degreaser over the area, use garden hose to clean the area.
After the area is clean, find the leak - sometimes easier said than done. Clean oil is hard to see. Use a very good flashlight or drop-light to help.
If the leak is a bolt, remove that bolt, clean the bolt and hole, apply clear silicone sealer, replace the bolt and let the sealer cure. Check again for leaks.
Clean it well, then spray some " Bon Ami" cleaner on it, and let it dry completely.
Restart and watch immediately, you'll see the source of the leak.
Good luck!