S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

Pesky oil leak, please help...

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Old Nov 6, 2021 | 10:49 PM
  #1  
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2008 S550 base
Pesky oil leak, please help...

I have replaced the oil separator cover 3 times now and the oil separator. For the 3rd time (in two months) I spent extra and ordered genuine MB parts, it didn't help. I still have an oil leak. What else could be causing this? I am not consuming oil, tail pipe is as clean, no CEL, no driving issues. Is there some other PCV issue I am missing? Also I found this connector unplugged not sure what it does either or if it is related. Any help is appreciated...

Replaced this and the oil separator, still leaks... What am I missing?


Still leaking under these

What does this connector go to?
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Old Nov 7, 2021 | 07:49 AM
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'71 Pinto
Centrifuge look OK, bolts torqued correctly.



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221 centrifuge.pdf (212.3 KB, 148 views)
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Old Nov 7, 2021 | 08:12 AM
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2008 S550 base
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Centrifuge look OK, bolts torqued correctly.


Yes, all torqued correctly, I mistakenly called the centrifuge the separator. It was replaced with genuine MB this third round of troubleshooting. Today I found a hairline crack in the oil filler cap. Wondering if that affects the crankcase pressure and somehow contributes to this stubborn leak. Replacement oil filler cap on order.
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Old Nov 7, 2021 | 09:40 AM
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What does the mating surface of the centrifuge cover look like? Is a gasket or sealant required? It looks like not properly torqued (you ruled that out), missing gasket or sealant, or possibly cracked casting (seems unlikely).

Is the leak coming from above the centrifuge and dripping onto the centrifuge? Are you 100% confident in the source of the leak?
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Old Nov 7, 2021 | 11:34 AM
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2008 S550 base
I am confident it is related to this oil separator cover as I've been inspecting it and after I replace it the oil leak doesn't show up for a while. I don't think I'm over torquing or under torquing the bolts.
Other pertinent facts with this issue
1) Engine oil level is appropriate2) I purchased the vehicle in August, it had the leak when I bought it. Unsure if the previous owner wrenched on it to repair and or cause harm.
3) I use blue threadlocker on the bolts. They felt good going in and out, do not think I over torqued, cracking the cover and or head.
4) I cleaned the mating surface of the head before installing the cover. Also cleaned engine bay under the leak, just using Windex and blue paper shop towels.
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Old Nov 7, 2021 | 11:44 AM
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Is sealant or a gasket required per WIS?
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Old Nov 7, 2021 | 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by chassis
Is sealant or a gasket required per WIS?
The cover has an integrated gasket

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Old Nov 7, 2021 | 01:13 PM
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cyl compression ? if its pumping more air about underneath any breather is going to struggle... mine always burns 1/2 ltre of oil once its done >10k mile otherwise does use any
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Old Dec 5, 2021 | 01:14 PM
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Replaced the cap next to the cover with a cheap aftermarket. One month later cap failed. Highly recommend using genuine MB replacement parts.

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Old Jul 13, 2022 | 03:07 PM
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After scrubbing and cleaning the engine mating surface really well and replacing a third time the leak has stopped. 6 months inspection, tiny leak, from the hose this time. Added a hose clamp, should be good to go. Lesson learned clean mating surface makes all the difference, make sure the mating surface is clean clean clean before install.




Last edited by Audiomikej; Jul 16, 2022 at 12:24 PM.
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Old Jul 13, 2022 | 03:52 PM
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04 E55 AMG (totaled), 07 S550 4Matic, 14 E63S
On my whirlwind maintenance tour when I first bought the car I did this job. Always inspect with a mirror (or directly when possible) ALL of the gasket perimeter. You must have had some goober on the head that you was not getting wiped but a mirror inspection should have revealed it. I'll have to make sure mine is not leaking....I don't think it is.
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Old Jun 14, 2023 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by kevm14
On my whirlwind maintenance tour when I first bought the car I did this job. Always inspect with a mirror (or directly when possible) ALL of the gasket perimeter. You must have had some goober on the head that you was not getting wiped but a mirror inspection should have revealed it. I'll have to make sure mine is not leaking....I don't think it is.
When removing the oil separator cover, what should I expect? As in, will I have a bunch of oil oozing out?
Also, do you know if the gasket is available on its own? or comes with the cover?

Thanks.
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Old Jun 15, 2023 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 604550C207
When removing the oil separator cover, what should I expect? As in, will I have a bunch of oil oozing out?
Also, do you know if the gasket is available on its own? or comes with the cover?

Thanks.
Likely not a bunch of oil, maybe an ounce max. I just removed and replaced gasket on my 550 coupe this week (as part of much bigger job). You can buy the gasket from the dealership for ~$15 US, or half that on FCP Euro if you go aftermarket

Mine was orange and $15 from dealer. Be careful not to over torque those bolts when you put cover back on.
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Old Jun 16, 2023 | 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Jaybird123
Likely not a bunch of oil, maybe an ounce max. I just removed and replaced gasket on my 550 coupe this week (as part of much bigger job). You can buy the gasket from the dealership for ~$15 US, or half that on FCP Euro if you go aftermarket

Mine was orange and $15 from dealer. Be careful not to over torque those bolts when you put cover back on.
Ah Ok, I just didn't want to attempt this and have oil spilling everywhere. I'll throw some rags out first then.
Also would you have a part number for the gasket? I was told it only comes with the cover...
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Old Jun 16, 2023 | 03:53 PM
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the issue with heavy breathing making the system struggle comes from a 384 bhp engine being driven at 1500 rpm and making 120 bhp on a tough day

ensure all in good order oil and water all topped up drive for 10 miles - then rag the thing to death at least once a week for a few miles... it will love you for it - piston rings need exercise, not a nursemaid
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