Oil Leak (with pic)

[davidjpowell]

Source of my missing oil is a leak, so far unidentified.

The garage that I use unfortunately cannot investigate any further, but have seen the leek in the general area of the circle below, but further 'down' into the engine.

It only occurs when the engine is hot - it took an hour of idling to appear? Any ideas of what might do this and what the bill might be?

It's sounding expensive to date.

 

[Fizzer]

I'm no expert just throwing in my 2 cents worth. I had an oil leak that looked like OMG!! where is all this oil coming from bad. Turned out to be a split O ring on an oil pressure switch/sensor. This thought was prompted by the sensor towards the lower end of the circle, as I say I'm no expert but if that is oil pressure related. Could it be that is why it takes a while to get going?

 

[WOODYTHEWISE]

Hi,could it be from the oil filter cap? just a thought.

 

[horgantrevor]

i think also their is a O ring in this area the oil filter housing to the block

 

[corned]

I think I am potentially in agreement with fizzer. If there is an oil pressure sender in this area then that could be the culprit.

I had a similar problem with one of my XJS's many years ago, and that was caused by the diaphragm in the oil sender rupturing, allowing oil to come out of the top of the sender and all over the ground. Relatively cheap fix though, circa £30,so fingers crossed.

As an aside, the front of your engine looks like it's seen rather a lot of life!

 

[davidjpowell]

111k? Not too much of life, I hope.

Bit of an update. Behind the AC compressor, we know now there is a drain hole to prevent oil gathering. The oil had been running down from the top of the engine.

A bit more research and I told that there are a couple of gaskets between the 'V', one is on the Turbo, and one is on an Oil Cooler. I am told that one of these are weeping.

I don't think they can tell which as it is disassembled to a state that it can't be started, so they are doing both.

Not sure of the bill, and do have half a wonder about the turbo having been off for the Port Inlet Motor. I'm advised that this has not been covered in oil this time so here is hoping...

 

[davidjpowell]

Still not fixed. They are now making up a blanking plate to bypass the Turbo so that they can run the engine stripped down to where the oil is coming from.

Feel expensive.

 

[davidjpowell]

Now confirmed as the Oil Cooler. RRP £101, Parts Reunited price, £40.40 + VAT. + £40 worth of Gaskett's and O' rings.

Labour will be the interesting bit.

STAR Commercial where it has been have been very good. Really impressd with them I have to say.

 

[davidjpowell]

Labour is more interesting. Job not finished, but looking like 20 hours.

This is going to huty. A lot.

 

[seymansey]

So i've had this leak on the 2.4 V6 - the o ring between the oil cooler and oil housing had perished. Oil everywhere and looked awful, but in turn turned out to be a half hours work and as you say about £40 of o rings. Any idea why you need a new housing?

 

[seymansey]

Exactly this actually Leaking Oil Cooler - MBWorld.org Forums

 

[davidjpowell]

On the V6 diesel, it lives between the 'V' of the engine - seems odd to me. Apparently it's corroded on a corner, and I gather there is an updated part...

It lives beneath the Turbo, so they have had the Turbo and manifold off. It took some time even trace the source.

To add insult to injury, because the oil and water junctions are close, they will be doing an oil and filter change to ensure no contamination, 1,000 miles after the dealer did one.

 

[davidjpowell]

It's back. Feeling the pain with a bill of £1,000.60 plus the £50 cost of the part.

Adding insult to injury the car demanded water on the way home. Hopefully an airlock working its way out of the system, rather than a leak.

Will find out tomorrow with a 2 day trip to Glasgow. It's the cars last chance to have me forgive it, otherwise it will be advertised...

 

[trapperjohn]

Ouch. I feel your pain David.

I hear many good stories of more modern Mercedes than mine and I do sometimes wish for a turbo and a few more miles to the gallon that these modern jobbies can get. I think when all said and done Ill stick to my 124's.

Lets hope yours settles down now David and pays you back time and time again.

 

[st4]

It's back. Feeling the pain with a bill of £1,000.60 plus the £50 cost of the part.

Adding insult to injury the car demanded water on the way home. Hopefully an airlock working its way out of the system, rather than a leak.

Will find out tomorrow with a 2 day trip to Glasgow. It's the cars last chance to have me forgive it, otherwise it will be advertised...

Ouch!!!

After spending that, I would say keep it for a bit.

I know the pain you are having, my car has not been an easy proposition but its made me grin so much I will struggle to part with it.

 

[davidjpowell]

Ouch!!!

After spending that, I would say keep it for a bit.

I know the pain you are having, my car has not been an easy proposition but its made me grin so much I will struggle to part with it.

It's the £500 Bill 3 and a bit months ago on top of this.

Never had a car (or even a Make if I think about the E) that's cost me so much money.

I'm beginning to think 'I'm out' unless I can afford a new enough car to be under warranty.

ETA These are all over and above 'normal' maintenance costs also.