I checked the oil before cranking. It wasn't foamy and had no indication of coolant in it. I poured nearly 2 gallons of antifreeze mixture in and started it up. It idled very nicely and I immediately put it in gear and told my wife to follow behind me. Drove it like a bat out of hell, and got it home within 20 minutes. Got it up to 80 mph at one point. It never seemed underpowered and idled perfectly at each light, with the temp needle around 100. About 3 days ago I did the 1/4 turn clockwise on the EHA to solve a stumble and smooth out the idle. Driving it today the idle and off-idle acceleration were still silky smooth.

Got it home and pulled the plugs, then ran compression. Here are the results:

1 - 140
2 - 145
3 - 145
4 - 140
5 - 145
6 - 140

I found a very small tear in the Y-shaped heater hose that plugs onto the head. This must be where the coolant slowly escaped, probably allowing airlock which prevented the coolant from circulating. Removed and took the hose to O'Reilly - they didn't sell the exact hose but did sell me one that was a close diameter with a 90 degree bend in it, along with a plastic splicer and 2 hose clamps, all for $3.95 tax included. Cut off and fabricated a new elbow end, and reinstalled the hose. Filled back up with coolant and let idle in the driveway with the A/C on for about 45 minutes and the temp gauge never went above 110, which is normal behavior for this car when it's 100 degrees outside. While it idled, I crawled around the engine and examined every visible area looking for leaks or steam, and I never saw any. Drove back to O'Reilly to return the screwdriver the guy lent me, also gave him $10 and thanked him as he undoubtedly saved me a tow.

I am puzzled. I saw the temp gauge at 125 with my own two eyes. Including moving the car out of a turn lane and to a safe location, I probably drove the car in that condition for at least 3 or 4 minutes. I popped the hood and saw coolant bubbling out from the seam between the head and the block. Did I dodge a bullet? Should I cancel my life insurance policy tomorrow?

I will be ordering that y-shaped hose from FastLane shortly.

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85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
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