HELP! Oil leaking into coolant...

[jcowens2000]

Hi,

My car has a bad oil leak (head gasket) for some time. In the last week, I found that my car was running a little hot, but at other times it wasn't. I checked the coolant level yesterday and found that it has turned into an orange, oily liquid.

I was told that this could be caused by oil somehow leaking into the coolant system. Does anyone out there know what can cause this and if it is fixable?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks,
JC
1996 C280

[JRE320]

You need a good mechanic on this...

[jnolte]

ouch.....

[stox]

Umm, replace the head gasket.

[jnenad16]

Originally posted by stox
Umm, replace the head gasket.

no doubt.

nenad

[martattack]

Originally posted by jcowens2000
Hi,

My car has a bad oil leak (head gasket) for some time. In the last week, I found that my car was running a little hot, but at other times it wasn't. I checked the coolant level yesterday and found that it has turned into an orange, oily liquid.

I was told that this could be caused by oil somehow leaking into the coolant system. Does anyone out there know what can cause this and if it is fixable?

Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks,
JC
1996 C280

YOu said it yourself at the beginning of the post. Your headgasket is bad. The oil is leaking into coolant passages in your head because of a poor sealing HG. It can be fixed by replacing the head gasket

[rollinrealbig]

is it just me or do headgaskets seem to be a more common problem on C280's then the C230's and under ?

[jnolte]

Originally posted by rollinrealbig
is it just me or do headgaskets seem to be a more common problem on C280's then the C230's and under ?

its that damn I-6

[martattack]

Originally posted by rollinrealbig
is it just me or do headgaskets seem to be a more common problem on C280's then the C230's and under ?

Particularly the M104 (Inline six) C280 had a headgasket problem because they are a hot running motor. It usually has to be replaced under 100k

[stox]

Originally posted by BoominBenz
Particularly the M104 (Inline six) C280 had a headgasket problem because they are a hot running motor. It usually has to be replaced under 100k

If I am not mistaken, the issue with the head gasket was fixed. The design was changed, so after the head gasket is changed, it should not be an issue anymore.

[martattack]

Originally posted by stox
If I am not mistaken, the issue with the head gasket was fixed. The design was changed, so after the head gasket is changed, it should not be an issue anymore.

Yes, the updated gasket (multi layer steel i believe) fixed the problem.

[coolin]

Once you get it fixed it sounds like you'll be good for a long time.

- CS

[jlomon]

Originally posted by BoominBenz
Yes, the updated gasket (multi layer steel i believe) fixed the problem.

They reinforced the front right corner (passenger side) of the gasket, which was the area of most common fault. Have a look at photo #1 on this link to see the difference.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/Wikka/M104HeadGasket

[jcowens2000]

Hi!

Here's an update on my oil leak-coolant nightmare...

I took the car to an excellent mechanic who discovered that the head gasket was indeed totally shot (u guys were right). He also found some hoses that were on the verge of bursting/deterioration.

Since my coolant hoses were pretty much destroyed from the oil contamination, many of the hoses are to be replaced. The expansion tank was busted and was leaking at the base of the cap.

Also found "control arm bushing" "idler arm bushing" and 2 ball joints totally destroyed/gone.

Breakdown:

Head gasket parts and labor: $1300
hoses parts (no labor charged): $600

Control arm, idler arm, ball joints ( parts and labor): $900

Everything else in the car is in perfect working order. If I can get another 100k miles out of it, its worth every penny to me.

btw, my car is a '96 c280, 200k miles. A/c still works ! lol

Most awesome mechanic...he likes "conservative" repairs. He's in the Atlanta area. MDS Mercedes Specialist.