Critical Oil Filter Seal

[ja17]

Just finished an oil change on a new W113 customer. The old oil was really really dirty. No wonder, the oil was not being filtered !  The  upper filter seal was missing (often the case).  All you new guys to the forum beware of this seal which is often missing. Lots of information on this site on this subject. Look it over, it may save you an expensive re-build.

[J. Huber]

Very sage advice from JA17 there. I remember hearing this years ago and like most of you, went out and checked! Mine was there but not in the greatest of shape... so I replaced it. Many years later, I still take a peek each time I do an oil change. Not easy to see from a ground change but worth the effort.

[Benz Dr.]

It is good advice.  The seal will harden over time and actually fall off when you remove the oil filter. If you don't know it's supposed to be there, well.... you siimply wouldn't, and it could go for years like that.

[Jonny B]

After a time don't forget to take a look at the seals in the bottom of the oil canister. I finally got around to changing mine, they were almost as hard as the aluminum case! I got an old canister to try, and after filing a notch in a punch (to make better contact with the little metal ring holding it in place) I was able to punch out the metal ring, and replace the bottom gasket and the small o-ring that is inside the metal holding piece. I did it by inserting the punch from the bottom of the oil filter housing, so you can make contact with the metal ring. I worked my way around, just tapping, tapping, tapping, then perhaps a bit more forceful whack, and it popped right out. It is easy then to use the the punch to reform the metal, if you deformed it all, and then fit it back together.

[glenn]

PPP  Precautionary Pagoda Preventive of engine failure.  Bet over half of these filters have been missing this seal at one time or another. ..
With this seal, valves adjusted, and running under 3500 rpm  - engine lasts forever(?). .. 

[280SE Guy]

Joe,

Good advise and nice picture. I just hope you didn't remove the engine from the car just to change the oil 

Regards,

280SE Guy

Bob

Sent from my laptop computer in the garage, home of Anthracite.

[ja17]

Hello Bob, 

No engine removal required for this picture. It is just one of hundreds of pictures take during Alfred's engine re-build. I figured it was a good opportunity to stock up on discussion photos! You'll be seeing more for years to come.

[Benz Dr.]

Normal cylinder wear is about .001'' per 10,000 miles of driving. Max cylinder wear is about .015'' or .007'' on each side of the cylinder before things start flying apart. That should be about 150,000 miles but few engines ever go that far.

 I find most are worn out somewhere in the 100 - 130, 000 range. The cylinder head will wear out faster with the valve train taking the most abuse. So no, they don't go forever, but they do go for a long time with proper care.
The way most of our cars a driven today they should out last all of us.

[ctaylor738]

I just installed this seal on my 280 project, so I'll contribute the following - PN 000 184 33 80, $3.95 list.

[glenn]

Re:Critical maintenance items----   1.Oil filter seal check at regular oil changes.  2. Grease all 14,285,671 grease fittings(particularly king pins).  3. Oil wiper shafts.  4. Adjust valves/crank cam timing.  5. Seal/repair rust spots.  6. On and on. ..