Diesel RVs: Re: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Rear Main Oil Seal leak

Bobby

This car has been on a lift 2x and examined by a competent mechanic.

I'm confused as to why people seem to think I don't know where the leak is.

I KNOW WHERE IT IS. I know for a fact that IT IS THE MAIN SEAL.

For now all I can do is watch the dip stick and keep putting oil in when needed.

When you lose everything, six figure career, house, loved ones (dog & dad died that year), car was totaled, lost a breast & had no insurance, all in a year, it knocks you off of your feet for a LOT longer than you may expect. We're still reeling from the hit. I'm going on interview after interview. I'm BEGGING for a waitressing job and either not getting an interview or not landing the job. Office jobs aren't much easier to come by around here. My unemployment got cut in half, so now they think I can live on less than $200 a week. Kevin works for a church camp which means low pay, but at least he has excellent benefits, for HIM, not me. Things WILL turn around. I did not like the snarky comment I got from the SBA when I met with them and said "I want to be a billionaire". If he wants to be one too, then do it! I am fiercely determined and ambitious.

We do not have access to the shop where Kevin works until the fall, nor does he have the time or desire to do any more major work on this car. He'll do the brakes when I get them, that can be done right here at home on the gravel driveway. I will drive this car until I can get another MB or this one falls apart around me which ever happens first. Then I will part this car out.

On Wed, May 30, 2012 at 4:03 AM, <liberty1@gmail.com> wrote:

Mark? And Trish, But all that may be acedemic until someone has carefully checked the engine to find exactly where the leak is. It may be valve cover or a hose. Especially since this is a turbo - doesn't it have two hoses that take oil to and from the turbo? (If it is the turbo supply line, that probably means you should not drive it than 15 minutes until you get it somewhat fixed.) Bobby
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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Mark in Lakewood, CO" <beeser750@q.com>
To: diesel mercedes <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Cc:
Date: Wed, 30 May 2012 02:23:34 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Rear Main Oil Seal leak

No way!!

There are two steel pins, one each in the engine block and the other in the aluminum bottom engine cover (most call this part the "oil pan") where the seal is located. These pins go about half-way into the two seal halves. They are there specifically to keep the seal from rotating. SO, not only does the transmission and flex plate need to be removed, but this aluminum cover needs to be pulled, and the crank mains loosened to allow the crankshaft to drop enough for the upper seal half to be popped out. AND, the engine must be unbolted from the mounts and lifted up enough to allow the aluminum cover to clear the frame member so as to get access to the mains.

Maybe not thousands in labor, but, well over $1000, anyway.

Believe me, BTDT, shoulda taken photos and posted them so's I could write the book, etc....

(And that was on a W116, which has more room than a W123!)

Mark in Lakewood, CO
From: "Trish Dougherty" <purrfectharmonyfarm@wifi45.com>
To: "diesel mercedes" <diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 3:53:37 PM
Subject: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Rear Main Oil Seal leak

On Tue, May 29, 2012 at 1:54 PM, Nate <vwnate1@yahoo.com> wrote:

This shouldn't be a deal breaker , any competent German Car mechanic should be able to pop out the tranny and flex plate then replace the $25.00 seal , button it all back up again .

I have no idea on the labor but I'd think no more than $250.00 labor .

Huh really? I'll check around. I imagined it to cost in the thousands. I can always trade food for labor...I know a very trusted mechanic that is willing to barter, or he used (no not Kevin).

Trish Dougherty
PurrFect Harmony Farm
Ennis, TX
http:/purrfectharmonyfarm.intuitwebsites.com