Picked up my 2007 Limited Roadster two (2) weeks ago (13k on Odometer) from a dealer, and noticed some slight oil drippings on my garage floor.

Did my homework and researched via the Forum.

Today I got a chance to drop the splash pan, and I'm not a happy camper. A blind man could see that the inside pan had caked up oil sitting in it for quite some time.

And upon further inspection it looks like the Valve Cover Oil Leak issue...!!!

The reason I'm really ticked off is because this car supposedly passed that 132 point Chrysler Certification baloney, and the oil was changed by them just prior to me picking it up. (Unless they used a Topsider and sucked the oil via the stick, and never went under the car...???).

I can't believe these knuckleheads ran the Certification, and changed the oil, and did NOT notice all that old oil on the bottom and inside of the splash pan. Plus the fresh oil sitting topside on the engine (around the driver side Valve Cover).

Anyway, I attached a photo and appreciate a sanity check on my observations, just to make sure I'm not crazy, and it's something more serious.

Looks like it's going back for warranty work, god help me on this, I'm almost tempted to do it myself, but my current work schedule just won't permit it...

 

from the pic, you are probably correct about the leak... that is where is shows...taking the air box off would let you see the actual point of the leak....

 

Before I'd let the knuckleheads touch it, suggest you clean off the oil near the valve covers and then gently tighten all the bolts. That did it with two of mine. If it continues leaking, then bring it in and have them replace the gaskets.

 

there aren't any gaskets....but, trying to tightened them down first is a good idea....I have the roadster's driver's side done, now the other side needs done...not a difficult project...you just need a good tube of sealer...AMG doesn't use gaskets...

 

There are Gaskets made for the vehicle, I had them changed and had gaskets put on them, they ordered them from the dealership.

 

Whoa! No gaskets on mine! I took it in for the valve cover leak and they "fixed it" NOT. I ended up doing it myself with black RTV. Be careful with those screws. They have a soft head so you can't over torque them. Tighten them too much and the torx head rounds off. Stupid but smart at the same time.

Les

 

Thanx for the suggestions on tightening the bolts.

I might give that a shot, before I trust them to do it right.

Regarding the gasket/no gasket discussion, it sure looks like there is something there.

If you veiw/zoom the pix I posted, right where the wet spot appears, it looks like the oill is sitting on a black piece of material that's sandwiched between the valve cover.

It sure looks like a gasket of some sorts...

Comments welcomed...

 

The covers do have a replaceable seal where they sit on the heads. The small "breather" cover at the top of each is sealed with a premium RTV sealant. Mercedes has their own product for this, about $20 for the tube. Chrysler did mine under warranty with black RTV and the left side at the oil fill cap was leaking within a couple months. I'll re-do with MB sealant, Chrysler service is terrible. Do not reuse the 5 small aluminum cap screws, replace with new from MB parts, about $12 for the 5.

 

Wise advice for spark plugs and oil leaks at valve covers. M112 engine in Crossfire.
Replacement of Mercedes Benz Spark Plugs