Symptoms
Oil seeping from the valve covers or from where the engine meets the transmission, a burning-oil smell, and oil consumption between changes.
The fix, step by step
- Handsome Motors, which has owned more than 200 Gs, says the 2016–2018 G 550's M176 suffers rear main seal and valve cover gasket leaks triggered by a failed crankcase-vent oil separator.
- The 4×4² uses the same engine.
- Fix the cause first by replacing the left and right oil separators, which FCP Euro lists for the G 550 4×4², and then deal with any valve cover leaks.
- A rear main seal leak means removing the transmission.
- Handsome Motors also suggests 3,000–5,000-mile oil changes on these engines.
Tools & part numbers
- Socket set
- torque wrench
- trim tools for the engine covers
- new seals and gaskets
Where to buy the parts
Genuine Mercedes crankcase vent valve / oil separator, left 177 010 79 03 (G 550 4×4²)FCP Euro ↗Amazon ↗
Genuine Mercedes crankcase vent valve / oil separator, right 177 010 80 03 (G 550 4×4²)FCP Euro ↗Amazon ↗
Genuine Mercedes rear crankshaft seal with flange 177 010 03 00 (G 550, G 550 4×4)FCP Euro ↗Amazon ↗
Valve cover gaskets listed for the G 550FCP Euro ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz G 500 4×4² parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.