Final drive oil change, words of caution!

[enochbell]

Maybe its just because I am a newbie with maintenance on my '64 230sl, but a few words of advice from A Dalton saved me some serious missteps and probably big $'s.  To paraphrase:

#1: Fill to level just below the fill hole (a finger check will do) WITH BOTH WHEELS OF THE CAR ON THE GROUND.  If done otherwise oil will fill the unsprung axels and cause the diff. to be overfilled when you set the wheels back down.

#2: Check and clean the breather on the top of the "pumpkin", just outboard of the diff. on the driver side.  Mine was completely blocked and, on his warning, could cause blown seals.

Live, learn, and thanks Arthur,

greg

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

[A Dalton]

Hi Greg,
 Glad you made it over here

.. and glad you checked the vent ..although this is prob no new news at this site ....these guys know all these little tricks
 In all seriousness , you will find great expertise on all 113 models right here and I doubt any question will go unanswered...
..good luck.

[rwmastel]

Greg,

As a "newbie", you NEED to know this:

Check tachomoter drive for wear - prevents engine oil pump failure.
http://index.php?topic=3097

Check oil filter housing for all seals - prevents bypass of oil filter.
http://index.php?topic=2589


Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[enochbell]

Thank you guys for the welcome, I will check both items this weekend.  I "restored" this sl 5 years ago, new leather, carpet, rebuilt the seats, a very expensive paint job (outsourced), complete rebuild of engine with all new/correct parts (only things saved were the crankshaft, camshaft and oil pump).  The car was correct rust-free California, and I want to make and keep it right.  Now beginning the suspension work, no real problems but, what the heck, my kids think I break stuff on the car just to have the fun of fixing it.

Thanks again,

greg

'64 230sl, fully sorted out...ooops, spoke too soon

[Cees Klumper]

For those of us not exactly clear what the initial post is about: the rear differential.

Cees ("Case") Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic