I changed the air filter on my '82 300CD yesterday and man was it filthy. It's only been 10 months since I changed it before. The biggest concern I have is that there was a good amount of oil sitting in the bottom of the air cleaner. I don't really have a lot of blow-by and I would think this would all get sucked back into the engine anyway. Does anyone have any ideas for things to check that could get me started?

Thanks.

 

chec the vacuum pump plastic hose that goes to air cleaner,if it has oil in it you need to rebuild your vacuum pump.

 

Thanks, I'll give that a shot in the morning.

 

Popped the top off and it was reasonably clean inside. Too clean. I looked down in it and realized that some moron who looks mysteriously like me didn't realign the drain tube with the spigot on the bottom of the air cleaner housing when I put it back on after replacing the rubber mounts. That explains the fine coat of oil on that side of the engine too. Harumph. I guess I'll drive it another 10K and then check to see how it looks.

 

same problem on my 85 300d ... possible causes for this model?

 

Does your '82 300CD have a 617.912 engine? I have an '81 300D which I got 5 weeks ago and had the same symptoms with the air filter. Just read this thread and haven't done anything except clean everything and change the filter weeks ago. I'll go check and do what everyone has suggested and done.

 

Just checked the air filter and no oil leak or splatter. I guess I better not touch anything.