Recipe - Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6 Diesel (Sprinter 2007-2022)
Specific Fix build
Reliability tier: aggregated - verify before ordering, see /disclosure/
The signature OM642 repair: the oil-to-coolant stack sits deep in the V of the banks, so the intake and ancillaries come off for access. Replace the full seal set with the updated material - single-seal patches invite the next leak. Bundle the coolant side while drained.
Parts
- OM642 Oil Cooler Stack (642-180-01-65) - the stack itself (worst-case replacement) (qty 1)
- OM642 Oil Cooler Seal/Gasket (642-188-05-80, current) - the updated seal set - the actual fix (qty 1)
- OM642 Oil Filter Housing Gasket (642-184-00-80) - the second seepage point, same bay (qty 1)
- OM642 Oil Filter Element (642-180-00-09) - fresh element on refill (qty 1)
- OM642 Intake Manifold Gasket (642-141-05-80) - single-use gasket, manifold comes off for access (qty 1)
- OM642 Thermostat (642-200-20-15) - coolant side is drained anyway - bundle it (qty 1)
Install order
- degrease and confirm the leak is the stack (UV dye); rule out valve covers and the filter housing
- intake and ancillary removal for valley access; new intake gasket on reassembly
- stack out and reseal with the updated seal set; replace the stack if scored
- filter housing reseal + fresh element; refill with the MB 229.52-spec oil
- coolant side: thermostat while the system is drained
Expected outcome
Oil level holds between services; no oil tracking onto the exhaust or into the coolant.
Parts budget
About $110-$380 in parts. It depends on what the diagnosis finds; each option below is what you buy together. Prices marked "at Dave's" are Dave's Auto Center's, the same as in his store; the others are approximate prices from OEM and maker catalogs, rounded (a manufacturer's list price can run higher). Parts only, no labor.