Spotted an oil leak while viewing a Sl320 R129. Help?

[MrRByrne]

Hi guys i know this will have been covered a lot of times but time isnt really on my side so i don't have the time to search through all the old threads.

Basically I noticed the bottom of the engine block very damp with oil. I lay underneath and there did seem a small amount building up ready to drip off the sump plug. The car has had the auto box serviced 4k ago and the engine has been serviced by mercedes 5k ago. It also has a full Mercedes history. I know myself it could be a small leak which over time has spread. I really like the car it ticks all the boxes but im a Bmw M3 man and i know nothing of these cars so this kind of issue scars me a little.

Any help or pointers would be great. I have uploaded a few pics to give you guys a rough idea.

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply.

 

[redbaron]

You haven't stated the age.. but lets assume it is a pre 98 straight six... They tend to weep oil at the front of the engine. It isn't terminal but will be a few hundred to put right... mine does it very slowly but Ian @ 124Works is keeping an eye on it... if it gets worse will fix it... it weeps that slowly that the car is not needing any top ups.

If in any doubt with an SL take it to a specialist for an inspection... they are beautiful but complex cars and peace of mind is useful!

 

[MrRByrne]

Thanks for your reply. The car is 97. I checked the dipstick when the car cooled down and it was at max level. It does seem like a small leak getting spread around the engine over time. In the 40mins i was there not one drop fell on the ground. I guess this is the fun of buying second hand cars.

Thanks again.

 

[MrRByrne]

Having done a little google research does the timing cover gasket mean anything to anyone? Its location above the alternator seems to be where the mass of oil is. Im also aware now of potential head gaskets. This does scare the **** outta me haha.

Ryan.

 

[Martyn_n]

Looks to me that the leak is towards the rear of the engine. Either head gasket or the cam cover gasket (it has two semi-circular bits that can give problems). Either way the job could be more complex (expensive) if the wiring loom is in poor condition.

If I'm wrong and the oil is just at the front it could be the u shaped gasket between the upper and lower timing chain covers, once again this means disturbing the loom I'm afraid.

 

[millo777]

Looks to me that the leak is towards the rear of the engine. Either head gasket or the cam cover gasket (it has two semi-circular bits that can give problems). Either way the job could be more complex (expensive) if the wiring loom is in poor condition.

If I'm wrong and the oil is just at the front it could be the u shaped gasket between the upper and lower timing chain covers, once again this means disturbing the loom I'm afraid.

Loom isn't an issue on a 97.

Sounds like a standard m104 oil leak. Nothing to worry about until it starts to need top ups as per redbarron's post.

 

[redbaron]

The loom should not be an issue in a facelift car.

The head gasket is circa £750 to do but the uprated part will prob last 150k +

 

[Vlad]

Rough rule of thumb on the straight six....if it leaks at the front its the front timing cover seal...annnoying more than anything....if it leaks at the back offside, its likely to be the head gasket thats slowly on its way out. They can carry on like this for absolutely ages before they finally let go.

 

[kth286]

just need confirmation whether it is a straight six car OR V6 car .

 

[MrRByrne]

Thanks guys. I took the chance and bought the car as it was in fantastic condition and a realistic price. It appears to be the timing chain gasket after giving it a real close inspection. My mechanic will have it next weekend and sort it.

Thanks again.

 

[redbaron]

are we allowed some pictures of the car normal side up now then

 

[kth286]

Thanks guys. I took the chance and bought the car as it was in fantastic condition and a realistic price. It appears to be the timing chain gasket after giving it a real close inspection. My mechanic will have it next weekend and sort it.

Thanks again.

I hope he understands the quirks of the Mercs.

Which engine is it - V6 or straight 6 ?

 

[ed_d82]

If its a 97 I think that would be a straight 6? M104?