320 oil leaks

[stevie d]

My CE320 has an oil leak from the top of the engine. It seems to be coming from both sides but mostly from the drivers side. I have to put oil in about every 800 miles or so, not much usually but thats when the low oil level light starts to flash. Any ideas before I throw myself to the mercy of the dealer!! Oh! silly me it's a 1995 model on an M plate. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ian B Walker]

It will be the cylinder head gasket weeping. You will be looking at an 8 hour job plus parts at whatever rate is current near you. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. However :mrgreen: mine lasted years, had a really good oily chassis (no rust )

 

[Bolide]

Is it possible for the timing chain cover or CHG to leak enough for the engine to require topping up every 800 miles?

If you're losing enough oil for the warning light to be coming on I'd suspect there may be more going on than an oil leak

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[stevie d]

thanks for replies guys. The guy who does my servicing tells me the chassis will never go rusty!!! I was hoping it might be the cam cover. Going to mercedes tomorrow so will ask them about it. Do you think I should take my bank mamager with me?

 

[kth286]

stevie d

Make sure that the level is not above the mid way mark on the dipstick.

The filling capacity was reduced on this engine from 7.5 to 7.0 litres.

It eliminated my oil seep from the gasket.

There are 3 significant places for oil leaks on this engine :

1. Head gasket

2. Timing cover (top front)

3. Crankshaft seal (lower front)

 

[stevie d]

Thanks for that Dave. I see you have the same model as me. does your low oil level light ever come on or is it just me being lazy? I must admit I have been filling it to the top of the mark when cold in the morning. Still I do love my car as you must. Thanks again