brauhaus313

In an SL500 with the M113 99-02 V8, if the valve cover gasket is leaking enough that oil is dripping onto the exhaust manifold heat shield, and not just weeping from the gasket, would it be too much to drive it about 20 miles to a repair shop to have the gasket replaced?

I am concerned that a buildup of oil pressure will cause oil to start spewing out of the leak and the potential of an engine fire.

pcsessler

Hi,

Why don't you just tighten the valve cover bolts? Pretty easy....

I really don't think you have to worry about oil fires and the like.

If you are really paranoid about driving the car, you can just clean the area between the valve covers and engine, then apply some RTV to stop any leaking. Or just remove the valve cover and install a new gasket.

Peter C. Sessler

SRHsl600

my experience is that "spurt" is from hydraulic fluid under pressure. The valve cover area for oil is a "flow" and many older benz leaked from valve cover seal problems as an SOP! I also have over tightened many a bolt and sometimes created economic windfall for the mechanic with a torque wrench. 20 miles should not be a fire risk. Some of us have kept our concrete floors will oiled from old cars. An oil puddle also gives the left over "kitty litter" a mission after the cat dies!

brauhaus313

Thanks. One of the cars I'm looking into purchasing is leaking from the driver's side valve cover in the front, and leaking onto the exhaust manifold heat shield causing smoke. This one just happens to be in the best condition otherwise. Damnit.