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oil leak

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oil leak - 12/23/2007 6:30:48 AM

350sd

Posts: 24
Joined: 7/18/2007
Status: offline

My 350sd is leaking oil from the exhaust manifold gasket right at the head. Do I just need a new gasket or is this indicative of a bigger problem?

Post #: 1

RE: oil leak - 12/24/2007 12:31:10 AM

ForcedInduction

Posts: 893
Joined: 5/20/2006
From: Federal Heights, Colorado
Status: offline

It can't be the manifold gasket, there is nothing it seals that can leak oil. It is either the valve cover gasket leaking onto the manifold or a blown head gasket.

_____________________________

1980 240D 3.0VNT 222K Miles. OM617.95, GT2256V VNT turbo, 4-speed manual, 3.46 diff, 15mm rear swaybar, ALDA removed, no EGR and Amsoil by-pass oil filter. Currently 107HP and 195lb/ft of torque at the wheels.

www.youtube.com/Turbo617

(in reply to 350sd)

Post #: 2

RE: oil leak - 12/24/2007 9:05:13 AM

350sd

Posts: 24
Joined: 7/18/2007
Status: offline

It definitely is not coming from the valve cover gasket. All clean above the exhaust manifold. I am even getting a little leakage from the gasket that is pre-turbo on the manifold. I guess it's time to get dirty.

< Message edited by 350sd -- 12/24/2007 3:42:56 PM >

(in reply to ForcedInduction)

Post #: 3

RE: oil leak - 12/25/2007 8:04:18 AM

ForcedInduction

Posts: 893
Joined: 5/20/2006
From: Federal Heights, Colorado
Status: offline

If it is inside the exhaust manifold then its worse. It could be valve stem seals, alot of oil passing through the combustion chamber without getting burned (turbo) or a dying engine.

The 350's are known as "rod-benders". Some engines, for a still-unknown reason, bend one or more of the connecting rods which causes the cylinders to oval in shape. The symptoms are high oil consumption and liquid oil in the exhaust before the turbo. The engine is not rebuildable at that point because the damage goes beyond the cylinder liners, the only options are an engine swap or a replacement shortblock.

_____________________________

1980 240D 3.0VNT 222K Miles. OM617.95, GT2256V VNT turbo, 4-speed manual, 3.46 diff, 15mm rear swaybar, ALDA removed, no EGR and Amsoil by-pass oil filter. Currently 107HP and 195lb/ft of torque at the wheels.

www.youtube.com/Turbo617

(in reply to 350sd)

Post #: 4

RE: oil leak - 12/25/2007 7:04:47 PM

350sd

Posts: 24
Joined: 7/18/2007
Status: offline

What engines would be a match to replace the 350 as far as mounts, trans., etc? I would like to make it as easy (ha, ha) as possible. I said easy because I know it's not cheap. I have two of these rod-benders, lucky me.

(in reply to ForcedInduction)

Post #: 5

RE: oil leak - 12/25/2007 7:53:40 PM

ForcedInduction

Posts: 893
Joined: 5/20/2006
From: Federal Heights, Colorado
Status: offline

Anything with the 3.0L or 3.5L OM603. 86-87 300SDL, 87 300D, 90-91 350SD/SDL, 92-93 300SD, and 93-97 S350. Search over on MercedesShop, there are several threads on the "rod-benders" and at least one good engine swap thread that details how to use the more common and more robust 3.0L engine in it's place.

The 3.5L is otherwise a good and powerful engine. It's just a ticking bomb that may or may not go off at any time.

The 91-97 S-class' are the only model range I'd suggest a g@sser over the diesel.

< Message edited by ForcedInduction -- 12/25/2007 7:58:28 PM >

_____________________________

1980 240D 3.0VNT 222K Miles. OM617.95, GT2256V VNT turbo, 4-speed manual, 3.46 diff, 15mm rear swaybar, ALDA removed, no EGR and Amsoil by-pass oil filter. Currently 107HP and 195lb/ft of torque at the wheels.

www.youtube.com/Turbo617

(in reply to 350sd)

Post #: 6