Author Topic: Oil in the fuel injection system  (Read 3280 times)

Paul99

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • United Kingdom, England, Hampshire UK
  • Posts: 298
  • 230 SL White. 1966.
Oil in the fuel injection system
« on: August 11, 2019, 12:36:29 »
I keep checking the status of the oil level via the small screw in plug on the injection system. All seems fine.

My question is how does the oil get there?  Is it fed by the engine? If not should I be changing it or not or just ensure the level is ok ?

teahead

  • Associate Member
  • Gold
  • *****
  • USA, WA, Des Moines
  • Posts: 781
  • aka "Rob"
Re: Oil in the fuel injection system
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2019, 16:38:15 »
what year car you have?

Early ones were self-contained.

Later, it was fed by the engine oiling system.
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

Garry

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Australia, Victoria, Kyneton and Brisbane Queensland
  • Posts: 5233
  • Audit Committee
Re: Oil in the fuel injection system
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2019, 00:16:47 »

his info on signature shows as 66 230 sl
« Last Edit: August 12, 2019, 00:50:34 by Garry »
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G
2005 MB A200
2006 MB B200
2019 Izuzu DMax 4x4 Slide-on camper.
2022 Volvo XC40 Electric
2024 Volvo EX30 Electric

Benz Dr.

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7219
  • Benz Dr.
Re: Oil in the fuel injection system
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2019, 01:36:06 »
his info on signature shows as 66 230 sl

I saw that too after I read it twice. It wouldn't be the first time I've fired off a quick response only to see later that I missed the mark.

I've made it a point to read through all posts carefully before answering and to spend a bit of time editing my posts before I hit send. Sometimes I do such a good job there's nothing left to send.  :)
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Paul99

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • United Kingdom, England, Hampshire UK
  • Posts: 298
  • 230 SL White. 1966.
Re: Oil in the fuel injection system
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2019, 07:58:47 »
Yes its a fairly early car - oct 1966, uk car 230.   The oil looks very clean, but I haven't changed it for the past 9 years I have had the car.!  Not sure I could get the oil out to change it?

FresnoBob

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, CA, Fresno
  • Posts: 208
Re: Oil in the fuel injection system
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2019, 13:49:54 »
I too have a 1966 230 SL and was similarly concerned.  I talked to Bruno at Pacific Fuel Injection in South San Francisco and he advised that the oil should be measured by the screw-in dipstick at the rear of the pump (not the red plastic breather cap).  The pump can supposedly be drained by a screw below the knurled adjustment knob (the one that sets idle fuel flow), but I haven't done this yet.  I did top up the oil level when I started my restoration as it was nearly empty. 
Bob Comstock
1966 230 SL Euro Auto
2017 AMG C43 Cabriolet

Tom in seattle

  • Associate Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, WA, Shoreline
  • Posts: 151
Re: Oil in the fuel injection system
« Reply #6 on: September 17, 2019, 03:34:54 »
My IP is a 1967 250 SL .  I found that it was gaining oil in the dip stick. It is serviced by the oil pressure system but apparently has its own reserve systems as well.  I shipped it off and a gasket was replaced. Now the level seems constant.    Hope this is useful to know.
Tom Averill
1967 250 SL Auto Euro Spec