I have replaced the gasket and lower oil pan on my 83 300SD with original parts -- the partsman suggested that installation of the gasket doesn't require a gasket sealant compound, yet Im leaking quite a bit of oil around there, and the bolts are snug. If a sealant is needed, any recommended types?

Thanks in advance,

I don't have a type to recommend, other than to check the label for oil compatibility, but what I would like to recommend is to use a torque wrench when tightening the pan. This will definately aid in reducing your risk of another oil leak.

-Larry

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03/83 300D 184k
07/73 280 160k

Wurth makes a black RTV silicone called "Sensor Safe". It works great and can even be used in place of some gaskets. Permatex also makes and equivalent called "The Right Stuff". They both come in a "Cheez Whiz" type can and should be applied lightly to both mating surfaces of the gasket and everything should be assembled fairly quickly after the compound has been applied. I use it on most gaskets, paper and cork. Always works wonders! You probably won't be able to find the Wurth product as it is only available through distributors to shops but the Permatex can be had at your local auto parts store.



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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Precision Motorcars, Cincinnati, Ohio
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'85 BMW 745i Turbo

"The right stuff" is definitely good stuff. But I'm confused. I have never seen a MB pan leak. Are you talking about the pan or the sub pan. The sub pan has a gasket and the pan does not. The pan is usually sealed ith sealer but the sub pan shouldn't need anything on the gasket. It couldn't hurt but since nobody ever has problems here I feel you are missing the true leak. I suspect you have a shaft seal or turbo oil drain leak. Where do you observe the leak?

We are now using ultraviolet lights and florescent dye to locate these leaks as they make such a mess on diesels that determining cause is hard.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

It is the small lower oil pan that appears to be leaking from the rear side. It comes with a gasket. I have used all original MB parts but I am having a leak at the gasket site. Please help?


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'84 300 SD 244K
'83 300 SD 127K