Mercedes is a name of quality and class. Mercedes is known around the world for producing high-performance cars that deliver the next levels of comfort and style.
These cars don’t require regular visits to the auto repair shops as they are designed to withstand a range of tough conditions. However, some underlying issues can cause engine oil leakage problems that need to be addressed.
Symptoms of Engine Oil Leak in Mercedes
Visible Oil Puddles Underneath the Car
The fact that oil puddles are seen below your Mercedes should not be ignored as a visual clue. Observe the oil color; fresh engine oil is usually amber or brown, while older one may be darker. Placing cardboard or paper underneath the vehicle when parked for several hours at night would allow us to pinpoint the location of the leak and its intensity.
Burning Oil Smell
Apart from the fact that burning oil has an exceptionally unpleasant smell, it is also a sign of a leak in stolen materials.
The oil that drips on hot engine parts gives off an odor that spreads throughout the car interior. Neglecting this smell will only lead to greater problems. If you are experiencing the smell of burning oil then you should get your car diagnosed by an experienced auto repair mechanic.
Low Oil Levels
A dipstick is a preventive measure that informs about the oil level in an engine and allows you to detect even slight leakage. If you observe a sharp decrease in oil levels between the periods of changing oils, it means that your engine is leaking.
Causes Behind Engine Oil Leak
The Gaskets and Seals Are Worn Out
Gaskets and oil seals ensure that there are no fluid leakages. Like any other cars, these vital elements are also prone to wear in Mercedes-Benz, and when they break down, oil leaks become a common phenomenon.
There are various types of gaskets and seals in the engine:
Valve Cover Gaskets
The main sources for oil leaks in Mercedes engines are the valve cover gaskets. These gaskets form a seal between the valve cover and the engine, hence preventing oil leakages. However, prolonged exposure to high heat conditions and continual vibration due to engine movement will deteriorate these gaskets.
Syto mptoms that may indicate a failing valve cover gasket include noticeable oil to the bottom edge of the valve cover or an oily odor emitted from burning gas when you run your engine.
Oil Pan Gaskets
The engine oil is stored inside the oil pan and circulated around the engine components when the engine is running. Oil pan also has a gasket that can lose its efficiency due to road debris, speed bumps, and rough driving conditions.
If you see oil marks under the vehicle, even more so after prolonged parking, it may reveal an issue with the gasket on your oil pan.
Camshaft Seals
It is the duty of camshaft seals in an engine to stop oil leakage that may occur around the camshaft.
Signs which indicate that camshaft seals are in failing phase may include appearance of oil around thecamshaftt and an oil level drop between maintenance intervals. It’s best to get your gaskets changed by a reputable European auto repair shop.
Timing Cover Gaskets
Timing cover gaskets stop oil from leaking ofromthe timing chain or belt. When exposed to heat and engine pulsations, these gaskets are susceptible to disintegration, causing oil leakages.
A stained timing cover from oil or an accumulation of noticeable amounts of oil in the vicinity around where the timing belt is also a sign that the gasket may be failing.
Problems With The Oil Pan
Underneath the sophisticated engineering of a Mercedes-Benz is an exposed weak link responsible for engine oil leaks –the oil pan.
The oil pan is located in a vulnerable position, prone to being damaged by road debris or potholes and speed bumps, among other obstacles.
An owner of a Mercedes must be very careful while passing over the uneven ground and check road cconditionsto prevent possible effect on oil pan.
The smallest ding or crack in the oil pan can result in tremendous amounts of leakage over time.
The Oil Filter is Faulty or Loose
Although the engine oil filter might seem almost like a simple and straightforward element, its importance regarding the wellbeing of an engine cannot be overstated. A broken or loose oil filter in Mercedes Benz vehicles can easily become severes resulting in leakages and further damage.
The main function of the oil filter is to sieve out impurities and contaminants from the engine oil, thereby allowing only cleanly lubricated fluid to pass through it. A good oil filter ensures tan engine’soverall functioning and life as it prevents abrasive particles from damaging important parts.
A loose oil filter may be due to the wrong installation of the same during an oil change. A loose oil filter may cause leakage of the oil around the housing.
Fixes For Engine Oil Leaks
Replace Gaskets and Seals
Gaskets and seals under the valve cover, as well as the oil pan are one of key elements that prevent leaks. A certified mechanic will be able to pinpoint the gaskets andsealsl that are compromised, remove them and replace them with new one.
Tighten Loose Bolts
Loosening of bolts and fasteners occurs with vibration and temperature fluctuations. Minor oil leaks can typically be addressed by tightening bolts and fasteners, particularly those found around the valve cover as well as the oil pan.
Addressing Cracked or Damaged Engine Components
Oil leaks may also be due to engine components such as the oil cooler or timing cover, cracking and getting damaged.
These components have to be repaired or replaced in order for the leakage to cease and ensure that the engine is kept functioning properly. This work usually calls for a professional mechanic.
