[IronManJohnBTW]

I have a bad leak on my 300td. I was wondering what the normal causes were. Not sure if it is just a pan gasket or where exactly it is coming from but pretty steady leak. I think my normal procedure would be dis motor mounts jack up engine loosen the pan and do rtv fix to avoid pulling the pan all the way out. Not sure about these engines as far as fixes for this.

 

[Ghaniba]

They can leak from everywhere.

Oil drain tube that plugs into the bottom of the air filter housing is common if it's fallen off or has a bum o-ring. Usually leaks on the passenger side of the motor.
Lower oil pan gasket
Upper oil pan gasket
Valve cover gasket
Turbo oil lines
Oil cooler lines

Best bet - Clean the engine and check to see where it starts leaking.

Dave

 

[Rmac58]

Agreed, you need to be more specific.

 

[DeliveryValve]

They can leak from everywhere.

Oil drain tube that plugs into the bottom of the air filter housing is common if it's fallen off or has a bum o-ring. Usually leaks on the passenger side of the motor.
Lower oil pan gasket
Upper oil pan gasket
Valve cover gasket
Turbo oil lines
Oil cooler lines

Best bet - Clean the engine and check to see where it starts leaking.

Dave

Cleaning the engine first as clean as possible is best. Then you can determine where the leak is coming from.

Leaks usually don't come from the upper oil pan as it is a machine fit with a very thin sealant if anything on it. I would also add the oil filter housing gasket is also a major source for oil leaks.


.

 

[BioNerd]

sometimes when the oil cooler line is leaking the oil spreads under the engine while you drive at hwy speeds.

My pan leaked while it had silicone sealer. I bought a new pan, bolt and a gasket and no more leaks.

When you clean your engine, get 2 cans of engine degreaser spray, apply with engine hot, leave no more than 3 min. and use a power washer to rinse. Of course be mindful of air intake.