Question for those in the north.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

RUN-EM · #1 10-25-2005, 07:35 AM

My mechanic says I might not need or benefit from a new thermostat. Symptoms-- outside temps in the 60's, car will not heat the engine for more than 60 degrees tops....therefore the heater doesn't get hot enough to be of any use. He says it might not be a stuck open thermostat, and that replacement might not help. And that I might have to put cardboard or some such in front of the radiator daily (and adjust it as far as temps go on the temp guage while driving). Any of you guys in the northern areas have anything to say on this? First day off I shall replace the stat anyways, but if he is right, any other solution?

Regards

Run-em

andmoon · #2 10-25-2005, 08:00 AM

I don't think there were any MB models that required cardboard blocking the radiator to get the motor up to temps in 60 degree weather.

What model are we talking about? There are thermostats that are not just open close valves but traffic controllers of sort.

J. R. B. · #3 10-25-2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUN-EM

My mechanic says I might not need or benefit from a new thermostat. Symptoms-- outside temps in the 60's, car will not heat the engine for more than 60 degrees tops....therefore the heater doesn't get hot enough to be of any use. He says it might not be a stuck open thermostat, and that replacement might not help. And that I might have to put cardboard or some such in front of the radiator daily (and adjust it as far as temps go on the temp guage while driving). Any of you guys in the northern areas have anything to say on this? First day off I shall replace the stat anyways, but if he is right, any other solution?

Regards

Run-em

I live in North Dakota where temps have gone down as low as -30F and wind chills down to -80F. I don't use a piece of cardboard. I replaced my thermostat and ran my Benz all winter. Soooo replace your thermostat, fllush your system, and use Mercedes coolant. I don't understand your mechanic's statement that a new thermostat "might not help". If he stands by that statement I would suggest that you get a different mechanic or at least get a second opinion. Better yet do the procedure yourself that way you know it's done right.

BrierS · #4 10-25-2005, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. R. B.

I live in North Dakota where temps have gone down as low as -30F and wind chills down to -80F. I don't use a piece of cardboard. I replaced my thermostat and ran my Benz all winter. Soooo replace your thermostat, flush your system, and use Mercedes coolant. I don't understand your mechanic's statement that a new thermostat "might not help". If he stands by that statement I would suggest that you get a different mechanic or at least get a second opinion. Better yet do the procedure yourself that way you know it's done right.

Though only driving my MB ('87 300TD) one NH winter, I certainly agree with the above. A new thermostat and MB coolant were some of my first purchases. I also checked the remainder of the cooling system (hoses, fans, radiator, mono-valve, etc.) before the cold set in. Mine generates great heat when called on to do so. Though not everyone agrees, and for specific reasons, I installed the block heater cord and used it. A properly running diesel may or may not need the heater yet I feel more confident with it. Contrary to a prior post about routing the cord, I actually did not cut a hole in the hood to have easy access to the plug end.

I also don't understand why your tech would tell you what (s)he said.

glenn1179 · #5 10-25-2005, 09:08 AM

Hmmm, that is unusual, a mechanic that doesn't want to just throw parts in a car and see if it works. Is he just lazy, or aren't you paying him?

I live in Wisconsin with 80 below wind chills and have never used the cardboard technique. Although, hopefully this will be the first winter with my diesel benz, if I can get it running.

Just replace the $3 part and troubleshoot from their.

Glenn

nhdoc · #6 10-25-2005, 09:18 AM

The fact that the car does not warm up and the heater doesn't produce heat is usually a sign that either the thermostat is stuck open or has been removed. If it has been removed it could have been either because it was faulty and the PO took it out because he was too lazy to buy a new one or there was some other problem like overheating and removing it was a "free repair". Either way, you won't know until you at least try to fix it right by replacing the thermostat first and see what happens. As others have said here, there is no reason to use cardboard on a Mercedes.

SD Blue · #7 10-25-2005, 11:02 AM

Mercedes are manufactured in Germany and from what others tell me, it gets pretty frosty there in the winter.

(He may be using what he has seen from Ford-Chevy-Dodge diesels, where the cooling system is set up for towing large loads. They need the cardboard.)

In fact, my MB puts out heat faster than any other vehicle I've ever owned. As others have recommended, changing of the thermostat should resolve this.

Pete Burton · #8 10-25-2005, 08:52 AM

It probably IS a stuck open thermostat, which is the way it is supposed to fail. Replacing your failed thermostat will increase the heat from your heater, and make your engine run at the proper temperature too. Make sure you have the rubber seal around the t-stat. The old one can be as hard as a brick.