Fluid leaks are a very common problem on older cars and it is something you will eventually need to deal with if you plan to own an older Mercedes Benz (particularly a diesel) that you use as a daily driver. They can be coolant leaks, brake fluid leaks, transmission leaks, rear end leaks, fuel system leaks and engine oil leaks. Engine oil leaks are more common on diesel engines because of the high internal crank case pressures. On this page we will review some of the common fluid leaks and direct you to our specialty parts and kits that will help you fix the leaks yourself!
Problem & Solution
Common among these chassis:
DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM: Before you tackle a leak problem, you will need to find out EXACTLY where it is coming from. This may not be as easy as you think. If you don't make the right diagnosis you could end up spending a lot of time and money only to discover the leak is still there. We have two resource manuals available. Kent's short manual "Why does my Diesel Leak." will cover all areas of potential leaks on your diesel Mercedes. For you owners of gas engine cars, some of the engine specific information will not apply but other sections such as brakes, transmissions, coolant, etc. will. Kent's Advanced Diesel Diagnostic Manual also includes the same information on leaks but covers much more.
Keep in mind a "diagnostic" manual will not tell you how to fix the problem. It will only help you discover the cause of the problem. Once you have discovered the source of your fluid leak or leaks the following parts and kits will help you FIX THEM!
PRODUCTS TO FIX LEAKS: Look at the list below. Just click on any item highlighted in red and it will take you directly to a list of related products or in some cases the actual product page with a full description.
COOLANT LEAKS
- Radiator Hoses
- Short Hose Kit
- Radiator Neck Reinforcement
- Thermostat Gasket and Thermostat
- Water Pumps
- Water Pump Gaskets
- New Radiators
- Heater Hoses
- Radiator Cap
BRAKE and CLUTCH FLUID LEAKS
- Flexible brake hoses
- Brake calipers
- Brake Master Cylinder
- Master cylinder reservoir caps
- Clutch master cylinder
- Clutch slave cylinder
- Front Bendix Brake Caliper Seal Kit
TRANSMISSION LEAKS
- Service Kits
- Banjo bolt washers
- Flexible transmission cooler hoses
- Front Seal Replacement Kit
- Pan Gasket
- See My Video on Chasing Transmission Leaks
REAR END LEAKS
ENGINE FUEL LEAKS
- Fuel hose replacements / clamps
- Parker super flex hose
- Injector return hose
- Hard Injector Line
- Pre-filters
- Hand primer pump
- Fuel Tank Filler Leak Kit
- Fuel injectors
- Fuel injector leak fix kit
- Injection Pump Gasket
ENGINE OIL LEAKS
Repair kits available with instructions:
- Front crank seal
- Power steering pump seal
- Oil filter housing gasket
- Oil Cap
- Oil Pan Plug Copper Gasket
Individual gaskets, o-rings and sealing washers
- Master o-ring kit
- Valve Cover Gaskets
- Turbo Diesel Gasket Set
- Non Turbo Diesel Gasket Set
- Water Pump Housing to Engine Block Gasket
- Intake Manifold Gaskets
- Oil Pressure Sending Unit Plate Gasket
- Tranmission Pan Gasket
- Head Gasket
- Turbo Diesel EGR Gasket
- Turbo Diesel Oiler Inlet Pipe Gasket
- Oil Filler Gaskets
- SVO WVO Gas Cap Rubber Seal
- Oil Filter Pressure Plate Gasket
- Chain Tensioner Gasket
- SLS Hydraulic Pump Gasket
- Injection Pump Gasket
- Vacuum Pump Gasket
- Oil Pan Gasket
- Thermostat Housing Gasket
- Oil Pan Plug Copper Ring Gasket
- Water Pump Gasket
- Engine Coolant Thermostat Seal
- Rack Damper Bolt O-ring Seal
- Brake Master Cylinder to Booster O-ring Seal
- Main Fuel Filter Bolt Washer and O-ring
- Fuel Tank Sending Unit O-ring
- Air Cleaner Housing Oil Drain Tube Seals
- Oil Filter Housing Bolt Shaft Seals
- Turbocharger Gasket Set
- Heater Valve O-ring Seals
- Front Bendix Brake Caliper Seal kit
- Fuel Injection Pre-Chamber Seal Ring
- 115 Fuel Filter Seal Ring
- Torque Converter Drain Plug Washer Seal
CONCLUSION: Keep in mind that it may not be cost effective to fix every little leak that may come off your engine or transmission. 25 plus year old cars just leak. Trying to fix every last drip could drive you crazy and empty your wallet! The goal is to manage leaks, keep them to a bare minimum, and keep you driveway or garage floor clean.
This brings up an important point for all diesel owners. If your engine has excessive blown by (crank case pressure) you may never be able to solve every oil leak. This is another good example why you should not throw parts and money at an engine (diesel or gas) that is all worn out!