110 Oil consumption. Valve stem oil seals? - Question re exc

[wportre]

I have a 123, a 280TE with only 180,000 miles on its (110, of course) engine. Oil consumption has gone from very low to close to tolerance (specified by Merc. at 1.5l per 1000k) over the last 20k miles or so (since introduction of lead-free fuel in UK...) The oil is definitely coming out of the exhaust pipe rather than leaking. The exhaust gives a smell of oil, although the only discernible smoke is at startup (a clue?).  A compression test shows 8 bar evenly across the cylinders. So it might be the bores but I don't think so. A professional driver told me that he had cured excessive oil consumption on his 110 by changing the valve stem oil seals. This struck me as being too simple to be true (although, does it involve taking the DOHC off?). Is it worth a shot or is the car at the end of its life?

 

[Andy]

110 Oil consumption. Valve stem oil seals?

Hi

A compression test will NOT give you the info you are looking for. Carry out a cylinder leakage test first. This will tell you what condition the cylinders are in.

As for valve stem seals. It quite likely that the engine could do with them replacing. You do have to take the cam housing off. Replacing valve stem seals will cut down oil consumption. But I would still carry out a cylinder leakage test.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[wportre]

110 Oil consumption. Valve stem oil seals?

Thanks, Andy. From my experience switching a 110 head, I think new valve stem seals is not a DIY job. I'll take it in to my garage and get them to run the test.

All the best

William