Unusual oil leak, C220D (w202)

[poseidon]

Hi everyone,

My C220D (1996, 73k, manual) has developed oil leak at the mating surface between engine and gearbox. The oil is comming out (not to much but still worying) at the small small hole at the bottom of the connecting surface. There is a cavity between engine and gearbox so presumably the oil leaking from inside the gearbox or engine. My gues is the seal at the input shaft on the gearbox is faulty. There is no oil anywhere higher along the mating surface. I cleaned the area few weaks ago, but oil appearead again.

I am planning to take the car to MB service in few days and I am preparing myself for high bill considering that probably gearbox should be removed. The fault came as a surprice considering that car has done only 73k. However my cluch was replaced (at a less experienced garage) in august '05, so I am keeping open mind regarding the quality of their work.
I thought that someone on this forum could have some thoughts or similar experience on this issue.

Regards,

Pose

 

[C220GJS]

Could be coming from the gearbox or the rear crankshaft seal, either way the gearbox will have to come out. You could end up with a massive labour bill using an MB dealer, if you post up your location someone on the forum may be able to recommend a good indie close to you.
Geo.

 

[television]

The type of oil should indicate whether engine or gear box, but maybe too hard tom tell the difference. You have an oil seal on the back of the engine and one on the front of the gearbox only by dropping the box can you see which one it is. I will look later in the day to see if this is a known problem.


Malcolm

 

[poseidon]

Thanks Malcolm, Geo,

It is very difficult for me to say the difference between engine and gearbox oil.
There is no notable engine oil loss, but I am not sure for about the gerabox.

I am in Aberdeenshire and have never used an inependent specialist. If anyone knows a good independent to recommend I would apprecaite contact details.

Regards,
Pose

 

[television]

Thanks Malcolm, Geo,

It is very difficult for me to say the difference between engine and gearbox oil.
There is no notable engine oil loss, but I am not sure for about the gerabox.

I am in Aberdeenshire and have never used an inependent specialist. If anyone knows a good independent to recommend I would apprecaite contact details.

Regards,
Pose

That's where all of our happy members live, you will get an answer soon.

Malcolm

 

[carabind]

You mention the clutch was replaced a year ago, and if the gearbox is not properly supported when refitted to the engine, the weight "hangs" on the input shaft when can then disturb the bearing and seal. Hard to prove a year on, though. Gearbox oil generally has a distinctive "sharp" smell. Can you check the gearbox oil level?

 

[poseidon]

Thanks Carabind.

This is quite plausible explantion. I was left with bad impression of this garage because of other problems. Soon after they fitted clutch I noticed that they left some nuts loose on the propeler shaft support bracket. This is the Nationwide garage which is at the Halfords building in Wellington road in Aberdeen. I thought that Halfords name should be some assurance of quality, and they had reasonable price. Quite simple job I thought, no need for specialist. This was the only repair I did at this place.
I do not have much options at present. Even if they agreed to do some remedial work, I would nevel leave my car with these people again.

Regarding the smell test, there is no sharp gerabox oil smell. It looks more likley to be engine oil.

Back to the pragmatic questions. How difficult is it to replace the cranckshaft seal? Can this be done simply from the gearbox end, in which case I presume this is similar work as clutch replacement. MB quoted me around 450 for just for the labour costs (nationwide price was 200).

Regards,

Pose

 

[carabind]

Well the gearbox and flywheel will have to come off as a minumum just to even see the seal. But before you go this route, what's your mileage ? When the cylinder bores wear, they leak excess gases into the crankcase which effectively pressurise it. then you start to get oil leaks at the weakest point. If you have any engine breathers fitted, check they are clear.
Guess what you really need is a local good indie

 

[television]

As Carabind says the gearbox must be taken off, once off the oil stain can be ssen.
Something else you could do is to remove the oil filler cap and see if you have any undue preasure there, put the palm of your hand over the opening, if there is any undue presure there it does spell out crankcase compression / worn engine.

Malcolm

 

[poseidon]

Hi everyone,

I replaced the gearbox oil yesterday. There was aboit 1.6 litres of reasonably good oil inside, which I understand is the correct ammount (Haynes says it takes 1.5 litres). Filled it up with 1.6 litres of Castrol manual transmission 80w-90. I manged to complete filling within about 1 hour but I could have taken bigger plastic pipe. The dense oil runs very slowly and put my patience to the test.

I examined the engine compression, with the finger test on the oil level dip stick opening. It looks OK, ie no prssure at all or any smokes. There is no problem with engine power either.
I booked a check with local MB service later in the week and will report back on the finding.

REgards,

Pose.

 

[poseidon]

diagnosis

I was told the engine sump gasket needs replacement. Total cost (including VAT) £313.

 

[poseidon]

Hi,

Lots of words of praise for John Weir, of King street, Aberdeen.
Very good work, at minimum time and reasonable costs.

Pose