SL320 (R129) Straight 6 head gasket oil leak

[melosboy]

Hi, my car has done 60,000 and I have a small oil leak that appears to be coming from the exaust side of the engine at the front in the head gasket area. Does the 104 engine suffer from head gasket problems? Has anybody else had this problem or similar? Thank you.

SL320 - 1998

 

[ant500sl]

Good guess, the M104 is well known for this fault. There are mentions of it all over the forum so a search should reveal some more information.

Depending on the area of the leak it is generally not critical to the performance of the engine. Mercedes dealers where however keen to change the gaskets when the problems arose - not under waranty I might add.

I would be inclined to try one of those oil seal sticks that you rub over the area.

Best to get a second opinion first just in case the leak is in a position where it may considerably worsen or cause other problems.

From past experience I would advise against seeking advice from a dealer.

 

[landover]

You have two options. You leave it if not too bad.Or replace the gasket an cure the problem. There is no easy fix....

 

[markku]

Hi, my car has done 60,000 and I have a small oil leak that appears to be coming from the exaust side of the engine at the front in the head gasket area.

You might be lucky, since head gasket of M104 normally starts leaking in the back of the engine.

Frontal leak is usually caused by the complex rubber sealing of chain housing. Easy and relatively cheap fix by the pro.

More details here: http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic100345.html

 

[melosboy]

SL320 oil leak

Thanks everybody for your help. Just for info. I spoke to the Mercedes help desk (00800) and they came back and said that the 104 engine does not have head gasket problems. Also, I asked my local dealer who said the same. It's obvious from the forum that the 104 does, so why do they try and hide it.

 

[mjtray]

With that mileage I would guess that its the front timing cover seal as Markuu states....very common problem on the m104 engine....it leaks just above the alternator.

I've had two M104 engines and both have suffered from front timing cover gasket leaks....cost me £75+vat to get repaired by my local indi.

If the head gasket has gone you will have oil in the expansion tank and the top radiator hose will have pressure in it from cold, whereas it should be soft and squishy until the termostat opens.

104 are well known for their head gasket problems...normally from 110k +

The replacement gaskets have a slight re-design, so that would indicate that Merc do know that there is a problem.....dealers eh!

 

[Geoff_Slade]

I've been told that my 300D has a minor leak on the head gasket (located at the offside rear of the block) and will need replacing at some time. Do the diesel engines suffer from the same problem? Mine has done 135,000 miles. Also at what stage does this become critical i.e. how long can I get away with a minor leak or will it turn into something far worse that will cost even more to fix?

 

[kkmfo]

head gasket under warranty

I had an SL320 under MB Signature warranty and the dealer changed the head gasket when it leaked.
I didn't even know it was leaking but took the car in for a normal service and when I got it back they told me they'd changed it.