I have a oil leak on my 1988 240dl and it is driving me crazy. If it was small I wouldn't mind, but I do have to refill every 800 miles or so.

This is (in red) where I see droplets. I did change the PCV breather box, flame trap, and all the hoses thinking that's it but its not. I also put thicker Rotella 15w40 but still the same.

What are those wires, cables right under the oil pan? Can some of them leak? Or somewhere between the timing belt housing and engine?

Any help is appreciated!

 

The pictures, One is of the wiring loom, the other of the steering rack boot. The boot may leak P/St fluid, red usually. The area above the wires contains three seals, ea. may leak. You need to remove the front cover to see.

 

Oh that makes sense. First time I checked the boot I thought it was ps fluid but than I checked wiring loom and saw regular oil so I just thought I didnt see right the first time.

How do I stop the ps fluid from the booth? Change the inner rods?

And how hard is to take the front cover, do I just remove the plastic? thx

 

If the steering rack is leaking power steering fluid into the boots then the only solution is to replace or rebuild the rack. Is the fluid going down in your PS reservoir?

 

The front cover comes off, just remove the bolts in the front, one screw on the top back side. You may have to loosen the fan just enough to get the cover to come out... and yeah, the rack if leaking, has to be changed, I am doing one right now--messy!