Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Theclaw on October 27, 2013, 13:33:28

Title: Mystery Seepage on Left side of Engine Block
Post by: Theclaw on October 27, 2013, 13:33:28

I've only had this car for a short time, hardly drove it more that just around town.  http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=18941.msg132335#msg132335 (http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=18941.msg132335#msg132335)

While I was changing the oil before putting it into storage for the winter I noticed some white seepage on the left side of the engine block.  I'm pretty sure this is a bad head gasket, but maybe this is something that's peculiar to these cars. Any advice would be helpful.

Probably should say that it's got a little over 100k miles.

Thank you,
Jeff

(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/10512240755_97eccff5ce_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stufffromthekilinskis/10512240755/)
IMG_8880 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stufffromthekilinskis/10512240755/) by theclaw900 (http://www.flickr.com/people/stufffromthekilinskis/), on Flickr



(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/10512238365_94cb7d3f66_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stufffromthekilinskis/10512238365/)
IMG_8879 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stufffromthekilinskis/10512238365/) by theclaw900 (http://www.flickr.com/people/stufffromthekilinskis/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Mystery Seepage on Left side of Engine Block
Post by: Theclaw on October 27, 2013, 13:51:17

Been searching the forum and it seems like head gaskets are a common topic around here.  My next questions are 1) What's the risk of running the engine like this?  2) Worth trying to re-torque the head or with 100k is this something you have to do anyway?

Thanks again,

Title: Re: Mystery Seepage on Left side of Engine Block
Post by: mbzse on October 27, 2013, 18:17:18

Quote

...Worth trying to re-torque the head.../..

Jeff,
Typical head gasket leak, coolant is leaking out onto the side of your block. Possibly also inwards, into the cylinder.
A re-torque of the head bolts is useful, actually it is part of regular maintenance on engines of this era. Perform every 30 000 km or so.
One bolt at a time, loosen and torque to spec. Best done on a hot engine.
/Hans in Sweden

.

Title: Re: Mystery Seepage on Left side of Engine Block
Post by: jameshoward on October 27, 2013, 18:22:36

As Hans says. There's a set order in which to tighten the bolts. The info is probably on the site, if not in a Haynes manual or the Merc manuals of the period (BBB - Big Blue Book). If you want to do this and can't find the info, just shout.

Title: Re: Mystery Seepage on Left side of Engine Block
Post by: Theclaw on October 27, 2013, 19:47:59

Thanks. I've got a Haynes manual and picked up the Bentley Technical Companion.  Where would I find the Big Blue Book?

Title: Re: Mystery Seepage on Left side of Engine Block
Post by: awolff280sl on October 27, 2013, 23:54:36

how to retorque the head

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/ValveAdjustmentTour#HeadBolt

Title: Re: Mystery Seepage on Left side of Engine Block
Post by: Theclaw on October 28, 2013, 21:26:08

Thanks Andy. That link was very helpful. The manual worth the price of full admission!

Jeff