W210 oil leak

[Rob 210]

I just did a 500 mile round trip in my 320cd1 - got home and checked the oil level - 1 litre required - opened bonnet and saw on osffside by water header tank clear oilon metalwork behind headlight - no obvious source looked in water tank chocolate "nesquick" - Car performed without a miss no overheating. I always thought oil in water was a head gasket but no mayo on oil filler cap. I'm panicking- could it be anything else. Like I said leaked oil was clean not nesquicky.

Rob 210
2001 w210T 56K 320 Cdi

 

[brandwooddixon]

I'd only worry about the water if it is thick in consistancy. I think that the MB antifreeze is an orangy colour anyway.

Check for oil leaks down the front of your engine. It is possible that the oil is being picked up by the fan or poly-belt and being sprayed onto the windscreen washer. Any sign of oil on the bonnet or elsewhere?

 

[Parrot of Doom]

On my E300TD theres an oil cooler below the radiator. Check to see if the oil isn't spraying out the side, if you have one that is. On mine its easily accessible through the towing eyelet cover.

 

[Rob 210]

Thanks to both of you - got a call from local MB dealer who have the car

they reckon either headgasket or engine oil cooler - they are investigating with a block test - definitely oil in water so they say

fingers crossed

 

[Rob 210]

Bargain or what ?

Apparently its the oil cooler leaking - MB recommend all pipes to be replaced as well as cooler - £2300.00 !!

not head gasket though - phew

 

[ackers]

£2300.00! At that price I would prefere the head gasket.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

£2300? I wouldn't pay that tbh. Ask of the forum where your nearest specialist is, and get them to do it. Half the price.

 

[Rob 210]

Thanks - Anyone know an indie specialist around TW8 0PF(brentford)