I was advised by my mechanic that my oil leak is coming from the timing cover (2003 GLE). At 195K miles, that's not a repair I want to pay for, so I'm wondering if anyone has any shortcuts or hacky fixes to stopping that leak. I was thinking that I could glop it up with hi-temp RTV the next time I do an oil change, and do a re-torque where the leak's occurring.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. THanks much -LJ

 

Can you see exactly where it's leaking from? If it seems to be leaking from behind the main pulley it's most likely the front main seal and not the timing cover. I'd try that first since it's a much easier job.

The front and rear seals seem to start going just before 200,000 but the timing cover is pretty solid. I recently did my wifes with almost 300,000 and mine right at 200,000. The timing covers were (and still are) bone dry.

 

Something else to consider, the oil cooler is a leak point on 99% of these cars. Due to its location, it can appear to be coming from the Lower oil pan or the timing cover. It's also likely the rear (and/or front) valve cover is leaking and causing it to appear to be the timing cover.
Is this a mechanic you know and trust or just some shop you pulled into.

If it is the cover, which would surprise me, I would personally rather pay someone to do it than mess with it myself! Coming from someone who has done it themself!

 

I trust him, but maybe I'll get a second opinion. I haven't crawled under to locate it myself, but it generally spots on the ground in line with and slightly in front of the oil filter.

 

If you can't see it from the top it must be leaking from behind the pulley. The location you're describing is in line with that too. If you're not seeing oil above the pulley then there's no real way to tell if it's from the seal or from the bottom of the timing cover.

Given that the seal is past the end of it's service life and the timing covers rarely leak, I'd change the seal. I just don't see any reason to suspect the timing cover unless we're missing part of the story. I'd seriously consider a second opinion. The seal is a relatively quick and easy job while the timing cover is pretty heavy and involved.