update...

i replaced the radiator, turned out it had an unrepairable leak... i had an all brass one fabricated... now my temps don't go more than 80, with ac full blast going uphill on a hot day.

i added orange coolant, safe for aluminum heads it said...
oh btw, about the thermo, mine was definitely removed, it would be an issue IF i still had my bypass plumbing... i removed all that when i got the car, as we don't have any use for heaters here.

thanks again guys, problem solved! no more leaks, i rest assured that my engine isn't drinking any water

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85 190E 2.3(SOLD)
86 230E (-->300D) sold
87 300D (-->300TD) sold
68 250S w/ a 615 and manual tranny (RIP)
87 300TD (SOLD)
95 S280 "The KRAKEN" (Turbo 2.9 602 transplant) traded
86 190E 2.3... current project

Where did you get a Brass radiator fabbed? Is it a three pipe?
I was considering a custom rad but because no one had anything designed (they wanted the old radiator as a model to make an estimate which BTW was going to be in excess of $400) I went with a Behr.

I run as hot as 95C uphill on a hot day but on a long mountain climb can approach just a tad under 100. This has been my experience in several '87 300D turbos with new cooling systems with no trap oxidizers or plugged up traps whichever.
I believe an SDL may run a little hotter than that because its a heavier car and less aerodynamically "clean".

Anyone who says they are running 100 C or higher in a 603 on the straightaway has a bad radiator or a bad thermostat or plugged up trap (or all three at the same time!)

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

i would also love to have an all metal radiator, whether it is brass, copper or aluminum, as long as it is not plastic. but i think, you can only get one of those in the Philippines, and i don't know how we can order and have it shipped here, cheap!?!

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'85 300D Turbo - CA Version

sorry for the late reply guys...

its still a 3 row deal, all the parts were made of brass, except the upper and lower mounts, which they cannibalized from my old radiator...

it's heavier than the old one taht i'm sure of. if you guys are interested i can look up shipping charges and whatnot

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85 190E 2.3(SOLD)
86 230E (-->300D) sold
87 300D (-->300TD) sold
68 250S w/ a 615 and manual tranny (RIP)
87 300TD (SOLD)
95 S280 "The KRAKEN" (Turbo 2.9 602 transplant) traded
86 190E 2.3... current project