self level fluid is black and rising!

[buckljli]

w124 300td
Can engine oil be scavenged into the self levelling system?
how?
what is the fix?

 

[MIKE236]

Hi Jules.

I am not an expert in this system but hey I am not an expert in anything. What I have learned during my debale with my trampoline-like 230TE is that the hydraulic fluids are different from that of the engine oil. I did ask my indy the very same question as to whether normal engine oil will suffice especially the synthetics. His answer was that due to the difference in viscosity, there is a tendency for the engine oil to block the system???

The other thing I noticed was that he inserted the citroen hydraulic system fluid which was green in colour as a temp measure before bleeding it and replacing with the correct MB specs ( while changing the shocks). To my amazement, after 3 days the green fluid turned to black!! Thus the fluid must have oxidised or somthing and thus changed colour. Since the MB hydro fluid is already black we never notice any changes.

Guess more of an opinion than an advice. Like I said I am no expert in this. HTH

 

[benzover]

the pump for the suspension is driven by the engineso it sounds like the engine oil is passing the internal seal you will need to replace pump and bleed the system until all traces of engine oil have gone. good luck

 

[Robert Cox]

I had this exact problem with the self levelling on an old '77 300D I used to own.

Yes, you'll need to replace the seal on the pump, where the shaft engages into the timing-gear area and flush the engine oil out of the system.

I didn't have to replace the pump, though. And the seal was inexpensive.

My 2c worth...

 

[Robert Cox]

I had this exact problem with the self levelling on an old '77 300D I used to own.

Yes, you'll need to replace the seal on the pump, where the shaft engages into the timing-gear area and flush the engine oil out of the system.

I didn't have to replace the pump, though. And the seal was inexpensive.

My 2c worth...

 

[buckljli]

Found out that its the shaft seal from Andy Gayle on friday. parts available on tuesday £3.50 inc. Hope it does the trick!
Will consider further system renovation later I think.

 

[Robert Cox]

Just had a thought... When I first replaced my shaft seal, the engine oil was still getting in. Closer examination showed there was a diagonal passage drilled from inside the pump body to the outside, emerging where the seal sits. Can think of no reason for it, as the flange of the seal covered it - and was meant to.

The new seal had a thinner flange which allowed it to be pressed in further and the little emergence hole was partially uncovered allowing the entry of engine oil (lots!). Had to get another seal, but didn't press it in as far, and all was cured.

Yours may not be like this, but I thought I'd warn you.

Cheers...