W201 2.3-16 Cosworth valve cover gasket - the leak is back - is there a known sealing technique

Started by Andy_Scarr_Perth, 23-08-2023 03:48 PM. 16 replies. 1,184 views.

23-08-2023 03:48 PM

Andy_Scarr_Perth Member

Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 10
Car: 1989 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth (Recaro interior, NZ import); 1994 500E

been meaning to ask.

1989 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth. Some of you will know it - the silver one that was listed in the Buy/Sell archive early 2014, never sold there, I bought it from the seller off-forum a few months after the listing came down.

Valve cover gasket has started leaking for the THIRD time in 5 years. Right rear corner of the cover where it meets the cam housing step.

Genuine MB gasket each time. Torqued to spec (5 Nm). The 8-valve M102 cousins do not have this issue. Specific to the 16v cover casting.

Is there a known technique for sealing this corner that I am missing

23-08-2023 05:18 PM

Vasilios_Billy

Lifetime Benzer

Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Campbelltown NSW
Posts: 1,699
Club: M.A.L.A.K.A.S.
Car: 2020 AMG GT C

Andy. yes, 2.3-16 cover leaks at right rear corner because the Cosworth head casting steps there. even OE gasket hates it.

Fit gasket dry to cover. 2mm bead Three-Bond 1184 or grey RTV only on gasket-to-head at right rear step. let it skin 10 minutes. cover down, torque 5 Nm in WIS cross pattern. leave 24 hours before running.

That has held 4+ years on three cars for me. dry fit usually weeps again after 18 months.

AMG / Cosworth knew. warranty was 3 years, gasket usually lasted that, so no proper fix ever came..

26-08-2023 11:48 AM

Andy_Scarr_Perth Member

Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 10
Car: 1989 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth (Recaro interior, NZ import); 1994 500E

Vasilios - executed the Three-Bond technique today. Cover refitted, 24 hour cure underway. Will report back in 6 months if the seal is still good. Will report back in 4 years if the seal is still good then too.

26-08-2023 01:04 PM

Andy_Scarr_Perth Member

Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 10
Car: 1989 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth (Recaro interior, NZ import); 1994 500E

4 year update boys. Three-Bond corner-bridge technique held. Zero weeping since 2018. Dry through 4 Perth summers.

Vasilios you nailed it. Posting this update so future searchers know the technique works long term.

+ Reply to ThreadPage 1 of 1

All times are GMT+10. The time now is --:--.