Bad oil leak

[oldgeezer]

Hi all,new to forum but not to MBs. Just picked up an old 98 C240,bought her as had one that was 3 years old back in 2001 & she was my favourite out of all the Mercs I've owned. She is in sensible condition serviced to death mainly main dealer & has a lovely 234k on the clock. Got a question though,heavy oil leak,bout a litre every 2/3 weeks,mileage depending,assume either sump plug washer or front crankshaft oil seal. If oil seal is it a simple job? I understand location is behind largest pulley wheel & the seal itself is only 12 quid. Not had her up on a ramp yet,doing that next week,but if it is seal,is it a pretty easy job or is it a mechanic jobbie? I know my way round a spanner but never done these particular seal on a W202 before,any help greatly appreciated

 

[HarioH]

Yes it's accessed from the front, ie no sump removal needed. The crank pulley bolt is stretch to yield so you'll need one of those too, the torque setting is huge IIRC.

The diesel has a woodruff key on the front pulley so I assume your gasser does too.

You'll probably have to remove the rad pack unless you have a perfect length socket & extension to fit in-between it.

Beers.

 

[oldgeezer]

Cheers bud much appreciated

 

[Hawkwind]

Are you actually getting oil drips/puddles under the car?

Just asking because at 234,000 miles it may be burning oil, which would vary, depending on miles driven and speed driven.

 

[Auto-mobile]

If it is crank seal area just check the pulley hasn't failed, it will cut into the metal of the front cover.

Failing that oil cooler, oil filter housing seal and oil filter housing drain are common failures.