89 300TE oil issues

[leila]

All,
Almost 200K on my 300te, rides like a dream. However, puff of white/gray smoke at startup and while at idle (in D) I give those behind me a smoke screen. Seems to be drinking oil, at times, as well. Also, when sitting at stop signs, etc I have a smell of either exhaust or fuel (could be because my exhaust pipe is broken but I am not sure.) Any suggestions re my smoke and oil issues? Thanks!

Leila

 

[NormanB]

Hi (and welcome)

First of all you need to get your exhaust system examined - if you can smell exhaust in the cab that is a good sign it means you are still alive and awake!

The smoky exhaust at that mileage could be valve stem seals (not too many $$) or you could be drawing up oil past the rings (many more $$$). You need to carry out a leak down test to determine the state of the engine.

Leak down tests have been covered on this forum - try a search.

I assume there is nothing simple wrong like engine sump overfilled!

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[leila]

Thanks for the suggestions. The new exhaust is on order and will (hopefully) be installed next week. I will have my (very trusted) MB tech. do a leak down test at the same time.