Hey Y'all,

Just a quick question.... What should my '81 300SD be running at as far as temp goes?? Granted it has been up around 100 degrees and of course the A/C is cranked up. Last week got stuck in traffic and she started to wander up above 100 so got home and checked the coolant level and it WAS a little low... then I guess my STUPID A$$ either didnt put the cap on tight or on at all and the next day she like redlined, once again re-filled with coolant (making sure the cap was in place this time) Then noticed it was dripping a bit of coolant. Thought that I may have just over filled but stopped by my mechanic's anyway. He found and pointed out that the water-pump was leaking a bit. So I had him replace the pump and change out the thermostat today while I was at work. Driving home it still seemed to be up there teasing 100 and at stop would go a bit above. Any input would be GREAT!

Thanks!

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-Chris
'89 300E

was bad if it was leaking out the weep hole so dont fret about that expense. the next thing to look at is the auxiliary fans on the front of the car. if it is hot and they dont work your temp will go up in traffic especially and may also on the road.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

the normal op temp is 80 to 85 but in severe conditions it will go up some. in my car 90350sdl it usually doesnt go above90 but if i was climbing a hill it would rise to 90 or more if the hill is long and steep.

the next thing after the fans is to change the tstat, and after that it could be the radiator. i recommend getting a german made tstat and be sure to check the temp rating on it. sometimes they sell you a higher temp one and it will give a scare.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

i have an 83 300sd and it runs between 80-100 and on very hot days with the ac on while sitting in traffic it creeps over the 100 marker a little... but as soon as i get on the road it will move back to 100....

your ok

Thanks for the input! This is the first car I have had that didnt have either just an "idiot" light or a temp guage that read (N O R M A L) then RED. I guess I am just a bit more concious of the temp since it is right in front of me...I already know that in my Caddy if the temp light comes on its time to change the motor (those 4100's dont take to heat well) ... about to take a 3000 mile trip and dont want to have any probs along the way....oh, and I did get the tstat replaced too for good measure... I will just keep an eye on it...

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-Chris
'89 300E

My '81 SD runs at about 95-98 in summer traffic with AC on. Doesn't concern me until it goes over 100.

The '81 SD aux fan only comes on with the AC. You might want to check that the radiator fan is OK.

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1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer