Oil leaks

[71Beige280SL]

I just bought a 1971 280SL and heard that they leak oil. Can someone give me a perspective on the most common areas for oil leaks?

[J. Huber]

Hey Congrats on the new car. With all due respect, though, I think the statement "they leak oil" is too generalized. Some do and some don't! It all depends on the car. Sorry had to correct that. (of course mine leaks! so maybe its me thats wrong) -- but I doubt it 

Now, yours may leak -- have you observed things yet?
Lots of owners have reported oil leaks at the front seal by fan. Sometimes the FI pump will weep. Others have had them from the differential/axle area due to a faulty pinion seal or the bellow seal? The auto trans can leak for a variety of reasons...Again, its impossible to know unless you have an area in question.

I have a moist tranny area that eventually drips to the floor. Nothing to speak of in the engine area. A little drippage from rear end -- pinion seal is new. Not bad at all. Good luck with the car!

[badali]

My 230 SL sat for over 20 years.  It leaks from the front main.  I just leave card board under it. Someday I may take care of this but it doesn't lose enough oil to make me fix it yet and it runs very well.
Brad

[thelews]

They often leak because they sit too much.  Seals dry up and, well, leak!  Mine weeps a bit at the oil pan and tranny.  Very minor.

[gimp]

Mine leaks at the automatic transmission and the differential when it sits for a period of time ( 2 or 3 months )
Once I take it out and get everything warm and moving it seems to stop.
Now it could be that it still leaks but because the car is constantly being moved it is not noticeable.

[49er]

My 280 SL leaked from the manual transmission from practically day one of ownership. When I saw the pink ATF I thought it was filled wrong at the factory:-) A drop or two from around the FI pump as well.

John

[DavidBrough]

One thing to remember with our cars is that a lot of the bolts on the front of the engine go straight into the block and will leak oil if thread sealer is not applied during assembly.

[71Beige280SL]

I had a quarter sized drop on the floor after driving. J. Huber pinpointed it perfectly. Front seal by the fan.  Replaced it and zero leaks. Thanks!

[Theo]

I wish my drop on the floor was only the size of a quarter!! That front seal seems hugely easier to replace than the rear one.

Theo

66 230SL, newly acquired, its wonderful, once you get used to the oil stains.

[Richard Madison]

Had a small split in the bottom hose coming from the oil cooler...leaking slowly on the horn. Replaced hose, all is now oil leak free.

Richard M, NYC