1988 2.3l 190E Oil in Air Filter Housing
 

Hi,
Im having problems with having to top up 1 quart of oil every 3 weeks. My 190e has 113K miles. I dont see any leaks. However I noticed that engine oil seems to be seeping into the air filter housing via the shaped breather hose that connects the cam cover to the air filter housing. The sponge that is glued to the air filter cover on the inside is soaked with engine oil. This could probably be the reason why there is some exhaust smoke and strong exhaust odor. Does anyone know what is causing this? Or what could be other reasons for the engine oil loss?

Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Shakil

RE: 1988 2.3l 190E Oil in Air Filter Housing
 

the blowby gas goes back to the air intake.

underneath the cylinder head cover, you got oil seprator. oil goes down, gas goes up.

from crankcase, you got PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation). same function.

you mean the first one?

if you will pull out the engine oil dipstick, can you see the engine oil gushing out?

causes:
worn out valve seals
worn out piston ring

RE: 1988 2.3l 190E Oil in Air Filter Housing
 

****PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!!!! WHOO HOO.

I found out that the oil loss/smoke/burn was due to the use of the WRONG oil grade 5w30. Even using 10W40 was not much of help, considering its an old engine. But when I switched to 20W50 upon the advice of a Merc. mechanic, the problem went away. No more smoke or oil loss.

Shakil

RE: 1988 2.3l 190E Oil in Air Filter Housing
 

:eek: but it should be 20W-50 all the time, not unless you live in cold area.

anyway, you still need overhauling job. you may change piston rings, valve seals, etc. just for preventive maintenance.

RE: 1988 2.3l 190E Oil in Air Filter Housing
 

You may be right regarding doing an overhaul job. However an overhaul job would cost about USD1500 here in the USA. While a good used engine with less than 100K would cost about USD1000 installed.
For now I am highly satisfied with the USD6 fix by simply changing the oil grade. Perhaps another 100K down the road I may consider an overhaul or replacing the engine.

Thanks


Shakil
Seattle, USA

RE: 1988 2.3l 190E Oil in Air Filter Housing
 

that's not a thin line between money and quality then.