****ing oil everywhere

[Russel Weston]

I bought a 280E as a doner vehicle for the 230E I already have. Both are 1981. The 280 has 111K and although I bought it as a non runner as soon as I replaced the fuel pump it worked. However, once up to running temp, it starts to leak oil, and not just a bit, loads. I pressure washed the whole engine and cant see any sign of where it is coming from. It is from the back somewhere. Anyone with any ideas, I didnt want to take the engine out, but it may come to that.
Regards

 

[njpumphrey]

It really would help to know where the oil is coming from. I had a massive leak once and it turned out I hadn't tightened the oil filter cover up properly after the service.

 

[Russel Weston]

See, asking helps. I hadn't even thought to check on the filter. I asked the prevoius owner and he said there had not been an oil leak before. It had been standing for 2 years when I bought it.

 

[Russel Weston]

I was under the car last night. Oil Filter tight in place, but I did see that the oil appears to be coming from the join between the engine and gear box. I have a manual on the 280E and in there it describes how to take the two out. In theory it looks straight foward. Is it, and are there any things I should be looking for. Thanks

 

[TimN]

If oil is pi**ing out of the joint between the gear box and engine then could either be hydraulic fluid from torque convertor or engine oil from the rear most crankshaft journal getting passed a damaged crankshatf seal. Either way the engine or gear box would have to come out coice is yours but I suspect that gearbox may be the simplist. Check to see if you are lossing oil from engine or gearbox if it is not already established.

 

[Arnie]

Check that the oil is not comming through the head gasket at the rear of the engine and then flowing down onto the bell housing, appearing to come from inside.

 

[Richard Moakes]

If the car was stood for an extended period of time, then it is highly likely the crankshaft seal was dried out.

Unfortunately it may well have torn when the engine was started.

Richard

1989 W124 300E

 

[S3-PoWeR]

Try checking the line going to the oil meter..

 

[Russel Weston]

Thanks for the tips. It is definitly engine oil, I collected a small amount in a cup to check on that.I have noticed a very small amount seeping out of the top of the head, however this would not be enough to explain the stream at the bottom. I have noticed thought, that if I pour more oil in, it doesnt leak until the car is running. I am getting ready to take the motor and gearbox out, will probably do it it two weeks time. Any hints before I start will be welcome. Regards

 

[Leylandp76]

I wouldn't rush to take major stuff out, a leak that big is, strangely, unlikely to be a major cause

Take note of S3-PoWeR's suggestion (above) - I think he may be right. I would suggest you thoroughly clean the area and jack the car up, get under while it's running if necessary and find where it's really coming from.

You'll kick yourself if you remove the gearbox and it's just an oil line. A crank seal will dribble, not spurt under pressure, as it is above the oil level in the sump. I have started motors that haven't run for 20 years with few problems, so a wait of 2 years is nothing, believe me.

Alistair

 

[Russel Weston]

Leyland, thanks, I will give that a go. This is definitly a stream of oil. In drive, but not accelerating, it is a unbroken line left on the floor, not a dribble at all. I have pressure washed the underside, and as the lowest point is the join engine/gearbox that is where it comes from. But I cannot see the oil meter( it that the oil pressure guage). It does have good oil pressure, even when hot.

Regards

 

[velosolex]

re ****ing oil everywhere

Before pulling out the engine, check that the crankcase breather and pipes etc are clear--you may be pressurising the crankcase and blowing oil past the seal. Worked for me once
Good luck
Huw