C63 oil leak Help!

[Mezmer64]

So I have oil smoke billowing from the left side of the car after 15 minutes or regular driving. It appeared to be coming from the valve cover.

So I changed both valve cover gaskets, definitely got the correct ones from mercedes for the plastic valve cover.

But the smoke is still coming just as strong. I checked amd I'm pretty confident the valve cover gasket is seated correctly, I sent aged on it, and I can feel the rubber all the way around the edge with a little hook.

****

When I look closely I can see oil pooling on TOP of the valve cover. I can't figure out where it could be coming from. It appears to be overflowing onto the manifold, and that's where the smoke is coming from.

I've attached a picture of the area. The valve cover is deep down there but I don't see anything above it that looks like it could be leaking oil.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Oleks1992]

Those plastic valve covers are prone to cracking, check thoroughly as I've replaced quiet a few of them after someone else juat done gaskets

 

[Mezmer64]

I did check thoroughly as I knew that was a common problem when I took the covers off. The bolts were siezed on the drivers side, had to break the cover to get it off so I replaced that, but I didn't replace this side which is still leaking.

I suppose its possible a tiny crack escaped me but I did have a good look specifically at that corner.

So there's nowhere else that oil could be coming from to land on top of the cover?

 

[Oleks1992]

I did check thoroughly as I knew that was a common problem when I took the covers off. The bolts were siezed on the drivers side, had to break the cover to get it off so I replaced that, but I didn't replace this side which is still leaking.

I suppose its possible a tiny crack escaped me but I did have a good look specifically at that corner.

So there's nowhere else that oil could be coming from to land on top of the cover?

Yeah they start off with small cracks

 

[sirius9]

Definitely small crack. Usually on the inside and only visible when engine is hot and the cover expands.
Usual advice I give is to change the rocker cover as the set comes with new gasket anyways.

Often times, ppl just change the gasket and it still leaks, either small crack or the rocker cover has warp with time and new gasket cannot match.

Sorry to say you now have to pay more.

 

[Mezmer64]

Ah at least its not that much. I'll take it off on Wednesday and have a very close look.let you know. It does make the most sense but I was sure there was no crack

 

[Benzz90]

I had the exact same issue and oil leaking in the same place.. see picture of the crack from mine (images attached)

Mercedes-Benz Newcastle on eBay sell the part complete with gaskets and screws £330 delivered.

 

[Mezmer64]

Yea mine doesn't have a crack like that. I did inspect it and didn't see anything wrong, but could be a tiny crack and I've missed it.
Still waiting to find a days to not drive it.
Mercedes belfast do the covers for 259 plus vat, but im pretty sure they charged me about 290 for the other side. It's not far out of my way to collect it as they dont deliver. Deliveries come from Newcastle as you say.

 

[Mickyh7]

Can't you just clean the inside thoroughly, then pool some Araldite/ Epoxy Resin over the crack.
I've done this on rusty sump pans when I was young and skint.
Always worked!

 

[Mezmer64]

I was thinking of melting some black cable tie into the crack but epoxy might be a better idea lol.

 

[Spider10]

Just buy a new 1 and have done with it i replaced mine and couldn't find a crack and its always the NS 1

 

[Mezmer64]

Yea you're probably right. Was going to take ot off, confirm problem, get a lift up to get new part and put it on.

But really, can it possibly be anything else?
If there is a tiny crack on the cover, would oil be forced upwards through it to reach the top of the cover? If its the only possibility then it would be easiest to get the part first and only have to visit the engine bay one time to fix this.

 

[ray_hennig]

I was thinking of melting some black cable tie into the crack but epoxy might be a better idea lol.

I wouldn't want epoxy or any other stuff floating around inside the engine. Best to replace the cover.

R

 

[Mezmer64]

I would have taken the cover off first, but yea I'm leaning towards just getting a new cover. I'll be devastated if it's still leaking after that.
To be fair tho, it was leaking from both sides, but the driver side had seized bolts and I had to break the cover to get it off. So that's sides all new and perfect. This side I just replaced the seals and bolts

 

[Mickyh7]

I wouldn't want epoxy or any other stuff floating around inside the engine. Best to replace the cover.

R

I was a Quality Engineer at the most efficient Car Factory in Europe, in the 90s, worked there 15 years.
You would not believe what goes on in Car Plants!
Epoxy would be the last of your worries!
Merc making these covers out of Plastic, which they know crack, pulling your pants down mate,even saving on the Vasoline.
These covers will cost £1 to £2 to make!

 

[WilliamParsons]

Yea you're probably right. Was going to take ot off, confirm problem, get a lift up to get new part and put it on.

But really, can it possibly be anything else?
If there is a tiny crack on the cover, would oil be forced upwards through it to reach the top of the cover? If its the only possibility then it would be easiest to get the part first and only have to visit the engine bay one time to fix this.

If there is a tiny crack on the cover of the transfer case, it is possible for oil to seep or be forced out through that crack under pressure. The transfer case contains oil, and any damage to the case itself, including the cover, can potentially lead to leaks. It's essential to inspect the transfer case cover for any cracks or damage and address them promptly to prevent oil leaks, which can affect the performance and reliability of the transfer case and the vehicle as a whole. If you suspect a cracked cover or have oil leaking from the transfer case, it's advisable to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic or technician to ensure the proper functioning of the transfer case and maintain the vehicle's integrity.

 

[Shadgrind]

Wipe it all up use brake cleaner to get it all clean, “nice and shiny” Thanks, “Rainman Ray” YouTube, restart and you’ll find the crack,if indeed that is what it is if necessar start engine and have a check for leaks. If that doesn’t show you, go for a short drive,

As for the epoxy/cable tie issue, you would need to file a groove into the crack, more brakekleen to allow it to stick and give maximum penentration (oo-err missus). If you allow it to set, preferably over night, it won’t get into your engine