Oil seal missing again

[Cees Klumper]

I dismantled an M130 engine today and here's a photo of the oil filter holder assembly just after I took off the filter holder:

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As is visible, there is no upper seal, meaning the oil in this engine was not being filtered but was bypassing the filter. It's supposed to go around the larger of the two inner tube ends. Most of you will know about this potential problem and have checked whether the seal in your filter housing is there or not. However, since this critical seal is so often missing (as in this case) I thought it was worthwile just reminding everyone once again. This engine came straight from Germany so even there mechanics aren't always aware of this particular issue. I still need to open up the engine but am not very optimistic about its condition!

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[waqas]

Cees,

Do typical replacement filter kits come with this seal? What should one look for when buying a filter kit? (filter, seal, what else?) I've owned my car for about 1 wk, and haven't yet changed my engine oil/filter (filter is enroute). This is one of those essential pieces of information for new owners.

Thanks and kind regards,


waqas
--
1965 230 SL Euro, 4sp. man, dark green

[Cees Klumper]

This seal is not included in the normal filter kit. The typical kit comes with the large round seal that goes into the top of the filter canister (make sure there´s only one in there, otherwise the canister can crack), one for the oil cooler drain plug, one for the oil pan drain plug, and I think one for the bolt that holds the canister to the engine block. I believe this essential seal is not included because it does not need to be replaced each oil change. Parts suppliers should be able to provide it, as well as the smaller seals that go into the bottom of the canister. I will take pictures of the various seal ´in-place´ shortly. When changing the oil, make sure to also drain the oil cooler.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[blairwag]

You know, I was JUST worring about this seal this weekend, and was preparing to search the archives for info on it. Great timing, Cees.
Yes, I'd love to see pictures. I can't remember if my car has the seal. Lord, I hope it does. I think I'll be doing a premature oil change, just after you post your pictures - just for piece of mind!

Funny, figure 18-5/2 on page 18-5/2 of the BBB does NOT point out this seal. The seal appears to be in the picute, but they don't point it out, and they certianly don't mention checking for it's existance.

BTW, I bought a bunch of Bosch 72105 oil filters last fall. Each filter comes with only one seal - the sealing ring that goes in the groove  of the old filter base. I didn't get any other seal rings! Perhaps I should order a couple of sets from someone. IS there a set of oil filter change seals?

--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
William Blair Wagner: blairwag@earthlink.net
Education is not always knowing the answer,
...but rather knowing where to look for it!
1971 280SL US Automatic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[hands_aus]

The MB filter kit (PART NUMBER 000 180 00 09) comes with the basic seals, the filter and in Australia costs about $10.00.

The other 3 seals are readily available.
PART NUMBER
000 184 33 80     Oil Filter Rubber collar  (TOP OF Oil Filter)
PART NUMBER
000 184 32 80     Oil Filter Rubber O ring (Bolt<>Filt Bowl)
PART NUMBER
000 184 17 80     Oil Filter Rubber Ring (Bottom of Oil Filt Bowl)

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Cees Klumper]

Here's a nice drawing from the "Maintenance Manual, Passenger Cars Volume 1" (available from Daimler-Chrysler, order number 6510-1413-02. Includes supplements 1 to 16, latest publication date February 1998, for all car models starting 1/68: 100 thru 123 9/80. Couple hundred pages, NOT the BBB, lots of pics, for all regular maintenance and service). The seal we want to be 100% sure about is no. 2 in the drawing. Included in your filter kit will be nos. 3 and 5:

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P.s. this book has pretty (not intended to be) funny quotes, like:

"Energetically move vehicle laterally on bumper in transverse direction"
(and the accompanying photo does indeed show someone low-tech yanking at the car to test the condition of the steering guide joints)

"In the event of major oil losses, determine cause and repair"
(no **** Sherlock!)

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[waqas]

As my luck would have it, my first oil change yielded a sigh of despair. Not only was the top seal (000 184 33 80) missing, the Einstein who last changed the oil had stuck *TWO* large round seals into the top of the canister (more is better, right?!?). I imagine this only worsened the gap created by the missing top seal!  I could detect no cracks around the canister. I can only hope the previous owner drove the car as little as he claimed he did.

A word to the wise: always have a car inspected by an expert; while said expert is inspecting, go ahead and change all fluids as a "courtesy"; inspect evacuated fluids for metal slivers, and check that all seals are in place. I guess all owners/sellers may not consent to this, but it may tell you more about the car than just driving/visual.

So far, I've found slivers in my transmission and differential, in addition to the above. Ack!

waqas
--
1965 230 SL Euro, 4sp. man, dark green