Out of town, Leak from hydralic suspension. '95 E320 wagon - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TylerH860 · #1 12-30-2009, 01:15 AM

There's really no way for me to inspect the leak to find the source, but from what I can tell its coming from the back left side of the engine bay. I will not be able to repair the issue until I get home (2000 miles from now) and I am not near any dealership for the proper hydraulic oil. I can see in the translucent hydraulic fluid reservoir that its low, well off the little dipstick. I would estimate a quart low.

I am wondering what are the consequences of running the hydraulic system out of oil, and are there any substitutes I can use to top off, then have the leak repaired and fluid replaced when I get home? I remember the hydraulic suspension on my 6.9 worked fantastically on transmission fluid. Is this a viable temporary solution, or is there another "Walmart" alternative (my only option until I get to vegas)? There is a chrysler dealership I'll be close to tomorrow.

Thanks for your replies. Obviously the correct way would be to top it off with the correct fluid, but I don't have that choice. I also don't have ramps or jackstands to locate and repair the leak.

colincoon · #2 12-30-2009, 03:15 AM

Is there a drug store near you? You could try using mineral oil if need be.

pawoSD · #3 12-31-2009, 06:31 PM

Wow, where are you 2000 miles from home? That would put you either waaay up north, down in mexico, or on one of the coasts.

TheDon · #4 12-31-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colincoon

Is there a drug store near you? You could try using mineral oil if need be.

yeah, or just general hydraulic fluid

TylerH860 · #5 12-31-2009, 08:10 PM

I'm on another cross country road trip to California. Thankfully I got a friend to pick some up from the local dealer before he flew here today. It was only about half a quart low, and I have 3 quarts now.

It was a relief when I finally found out what it was. I had to sleep on it before I thought of the SLS.

I will post some more photos in OD. I plan to replicate some of photos I took of Ol' Turbo last year. I hit the road from Vail to Vegas, then stop in San Diego and LA before returning home.

Archdukeferd · #6 12-31-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

general hydraulic fluid

Is general hydraulic fluid a guy in the military?

UTF (also known as tractor fluid), ATF (type F and D/M, probably more I dont' know about), Motor oil, mineral oil, NUTO, all are hydraulic fluids.

That's the short list I can rattle off of hydraulic fluids that are used by different machines just at my place of business- I'm all about using the cheap equivalent (for example 10-30 ND in place of bobcat fluid) but there isn't really a generic "hydraulic fluid" that you can just put into any hydraulic system and not worry about it...

pawoSD · #7 01-01-2010, 12:53 AM

So why did you take the gasser with many more things that can break. Maybe it's karma for taking it instead of the diesel.

I'd readily take my 300SD over my 300E on a long trip, even though both are in equally excellent shape...and the gasser has 1/2 the miles on it. The diesel is just more....reliable feeling, though the gasser is earning its place as it has yet to let us down in 11k of driving/ownership.

TylerH860 · #8 01-01-2010, 11:14 AM

Your W126 has alot more sound insulation than a W123. I do like taking Ol' Turbo for trips, but wanted a change this year.

Ol' Turbo will probably make a North East run this summer.

TylerH860 · #9 01-01-2010, 10:10 PM

600 flawless miles and not a single drop lost. I'm beginning to think one of my motor mounts popped, since they have some hydraulic like fluid in them.

At least W124 motor mounts give you warning before they get bad.

The original Excelsior's motor mounts puked their guts out within two weeks of each other.

suginami · #10 01-01-2010, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

600 flawless miles and not a single drop lost. I'm beginning to think one of my motor mounts popped, since they have some hydraulic like fluid in them.

At least W124 motor mounts give you warning before they get bad.

The original Excelsior's motor mounts puked their guts out within two weeks of each other.

The fluid in the motor mounts usually has black ink in it. Do you see any staining underneath?

TylerH860 · #11 01-02-2010, 02:25 AM

I couldn't get a really good look underneath. The SLS fluid has a dark tint matching the droppings and the lower level led me to conclude that was the issue. Now I'm convinced it was the left motor mount splitting, as it seemed to come on suddenly then go away just as quickly.

I remember when this happened to me with my last wagon just after I had the head gasket replaced. After laying out all that $$$ I thought I had another major leak to deal with.

TheDon · #12 01-02-2010, 10:07 AM

well I guess the only way to know is to actually inspect the motor mounts

JimmyL · #13 01-03-2010, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I couldn't get a really good look underneath. The SLS fluid has a dark tint matching the droppings and the lower level led me to conclude that was the issue. Now I'm convinced it was the left motor mount splitting, as it seemed to come on suddenly then go away just as quickly.

I remember when this happened to me with my last wagon just after I had the head gasket replaced. After laying out all that $$$ I thought I had another major leak to deal with.

Look for brown goo......