Hi Guys,

I just bought '97 MB E320 with 102K miles.
Everything looks fine but the other day I just noticed a little drip more of sprinkling onthe driveway and garage floor.
Seems like there is a leak coming from the left upper engine side (passenger)
right after the head gasket ( about 2-3 inches lower)and somebody put some white silicon stuff .Do you have any idea what that can be?
Any experiences with a leak like that? Still I am wondering how the oil got all the way to the exhaust.
I am ecnlosing a picture.

I would appreciate any help and advice!
Thank you in advance!


[IMG]local://upfiles/20552/09C26F6D53B54846930444C312944D55.jpg[/IMG]

 

Your engine has a 2 piece front cover and the seal between them always leaks. If y ou have any experience y ou could do it yourself but i wouldnt recommend it since you need a special tool to pull out a locating pin. theres a total of about 4 seals when you do the job, parts are only a few bucks, but the labor is where ur gonna pay. i would also recommend replacing the valve cover gasket since you have to remove it anyways..any q's let me know...

 

yes very common, its called the front lip seal, dealer will charge about 5 hours labor and you will get a new valve cover gasket and seals. you probably need a head gasket also. if you do the head gasket the repair kit will also include the front lip seal. headgaskets run about 15 hours labor at the dealer. as for the white stuff on the lip seal maybe just there to help cover the leak or maybe covering up a bigger problem, cracked front coveretc.

 

Saleen1276,

Thanks for the input. I am not very aware of those front covers you are talking about.
Where exactly are they located? Do you have any pics that can help? I have done a lot of repairs on different vehicles so...why not give it a shot. I am pretty handy.
Also, is that such a big deal if I don't get it fixed? Would that affect engine work or oil level?

Thanks in advance!

 

To chassis221,

You are really scaring me now. 15 + 5 hours dealers work? WOW!
I looked and the head gasket is not leaking neither the valve cover gasket.
About the front lip that makes sense to leak but do you think it is a major issue?
What do you advise?

Thanks!

 

good morning. depends on how much oil is leaking, this is a very common issue on your engine. if it leaks a little and it doesnt bother you than let it be. i dont consider it a major issue. it is something than can wait to be repaired at a later date. the 15 hours is just an estimate at my dealership, prices do vary from city to city, but i do recommend going to an MB dealer.

 

Good morning chassis221,

Well, since that white silicone like stuff is put there I see very little leak - almost not noticeable for right now. But I don't know for how long?
I have a friend who works only on European cars, especially BMW and Mercedes and I am going on Monday to see what he would say about it.
MB dealers are heck of a rip offs for everything and I can not say they do the job right all the time.