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Old 01-02-2003, 04:44 PM
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Michael Michael is offline
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Boston, USA
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First off, for sure it's not trapped air - these systems are self-purging (I just went through 2 fluid changes, so know this to be true). And I doubt it's your radiator - symptoms aren't consistent with a blown radiator, and for the record these radiators last as long as the coolant is regularly changed (mine's

Second, if you've got a wet firewall, check the 2 hoses that pass from the back of the engine through the firewall and back to the heater core - they get baked by the engine and are known to fail (I bet against a failed heater core, plus I doubt a blown heater core would make the firewall wet, more likely it'd soak your interior carpeting!)

Third, if there's fluid on your garage floor, you've filled your overflow tank too - I'd empty it since it's supposed to remain empty...why carry around an extra 1/2 gallon of old fluid if you don't need to? To empty it, jack up the pass. side front of your car, remove the right front wheel, undo 5-6 small fastners & pull down the rear part of your fender liner. This will expose your overflow tank. I think it's held in place with 1-2 screws.

I'm inclined to think you have either a stuck thermostat (was it replaced during your recent service?) or a failing radiator cap that's not keeping the proper system pressure. Why all of a sudden has this popped up? Also, check to make sure all hose clamps are tight.

Good luck and keep us posted!
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Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo
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