Exhaust Leak From Manifold Or Turbo on a 300SD

I noticed a bit of soot in the instrument panel of my '84 300SD. I also get a few specks of soot on the grille and under the hood. My guess is that I have a minor leak somewhere on the exhaust side of the engine. Is there anywhere that seems prone to leakage? Exhaust manifold gasket, turbo gasket, etc.? Thanks for any advice you can provide. Tim Delaney Stewiacke, NS, Canada 1984 300SD, 225,000km

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

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Chassis Model Number

W126

Common Exhaust Leaks

There are two areas on the 300SD where I have seen repeated exhaust leaks. The first and most common is from the flexible exhaust header pipe just below and aft of the turbo. The flexible section can crack. You will see black soot stains in the area around any leak. The other area is from the combination intake manifold and exhaust gasket. I have seen the manifold nuts loosen up due to engine vibration causing leaks past this gasket. Look for black soot stains. A leak in this area cause excess intake or exhaust noise. Let us know what you find.

Exhaust Leak on 300SD

Thanks Kent! Will do. Tim