Cam Adjuster Magnet and oil leak!

[aldangeo]

Hi-could you please give an opinion on this please. I own a 2002, 52 Plate Merc C200K, 2 litre version. Mileage 44,500. Recently, I had the exhaust manifold replaced due to a split down the seam of the old one-this I understand is a common fault with this car. A week after having it replaced, the engine management light came on and the car felt like it was running on 2/3 cylinders. Contacted local Merc dealer (not main dealer) who today told me that the problem was due to oil leaking from the cam magnet into the engine bay wiring harness and into the ECU and O2 sensor. They have suggested to repair the fault will involve full replacement of the bay wiring harness, the cam magnet, the cam loom plus plug and the ECU at a total cost including labour of £1,500!

Has anyone ever come across this before or am I being led up the garden path?

 

[Uncle Benz]

No, this can happen. You can avoid the expense of new cam adjuster solenoid by purchasing the 'fix' that Mercedes call "starter line". It is basically a short section of loom with an oil-stop in it, which prevents the oil getting any further up the loom. This is a preventative measure that I strongly recommend for any that have not yet had it done...

Some will say the ECU can be cleaned, but to guarantee no repeat troubles a new loom and ecu is the Mercedes way.

 

[television]

Well I will say the that ECU will be fine if washed out with lighter fuel,, you do need a new seal and wiring loom.

Some say that the loom can be washed, but the oil gets into the plastic and the copper wire, so do change that

The MB way is to replace the ECU in case of comebacks

 

[aldangeo]

Cam adjuster & oil leak

Many thanks to Uncle Benz and Television for your prompt replies. Whilst not the answers I was looking for, at least I know now that the ECU "could" potentially be cleaned!

Thanks again!!