Oil Leak

[ayublimbada]

Hi, I have just bought a 280CE (W123). Driving it home I realised there was oil leaking into the drivers side footwell. It was only dripping slowly and I managed to get home. I didn't lose any oil pressure either. Does anyone know what this could be.

Ayub

 

[nicky]

Hi, I have just bought a 280CE (W123). Driving it home I realised there was oil leaking into the drivers side footwell. It was only dripping slowly and I managed to get home. I didn't lose any oil pressure either. Does anyone know what this could be.

Ayub

Yes,it is probably brake fluid,check the level as soon as posible...Looks like a master cylinder leak....

 

[paulcallender]

Does anyone know what this could be.

Ayub

Its a large pillarless coupé utilising a 6 cylinder fuel injected twin overhead camshaft engine driving the rear wheels through fully-independent rear suspension, but that's not the answer you were looking for?

If you've just bought it it could be anything. I suspect Nicky is right, although she is good at identifying fluids and their right places.

 

[TimN]

The oil pressure gauge is driven by oil pressure taken via a flexible hose from the oil filter housing to a copper coil at the back of the gauge. As the pressure increases the coil straightens creating the movement for the indicator needle. After years of movement the copper or it's soldered joints fatigue and finally fail. Oil could therfore be dripping out of the back of the instrument cluster and drip onto your knees or it may run down the upper surface of the plastic panel and drip out at the point that the closure panel changes from plastic the black soundproofed cardboard (for want of a better description).

The only effective solution is to replace the coil.

If the oil is down by your feet then it is almost certainly brake fluid from a perished seal in the brake master cylinder. Immedtiately check the level of you brake fluid in the reservoir. If it is normal and you think that there is plenty of oil in the footwell then you maight be able to discount this as the source of the leak. Remember brake fluid is corrosive so use penty of hot soapy water to neutralise it. Most people recommend that you replace the master cylinder but if your prepared to do it yourself, I have to say that replacing the parts contained in the master cylinder repair kit have always worked for me. Takes longer but is
considerably cheaper. Just check the condistion of the internal surfaces of the cylinder bore.

 

[ayublimbada]

That really helps thanks everyone

Ayub