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#1
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300SDL Radiator Replacement Scope of work?
202,000 miles and the cracked radiator does not like the epoxy so much. And I have a #14 head, so I want it cooooool, right?
I'm figuring: Hoses, upper and lower, and clamps.. Water pump "while I'm in there?"... Thermostat... Transmission cooler lines(might as well do the transmission filter, too).. MB coolant... What am I missing? What can go wrong? How long for a knucklebuster mope like me to do? How many hours if I just bag it and take it to the local indy, who seems to be pretty fair with his rates?
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Mike J Cary, NC 1987 300SDL 203,400 miles How NOT to buy a MB Diesel: Know little or nothing about diesels or Mercedes Benz. Get the WVO fever. Drive 70 miles to a used car lot in the country. Buy the car without having it inspected, because it seems like a good idea at the time.... I'll be back. I'm gonna need help. I love this car already! 1998 F-150 154,000 miles 1994 Geo Tracker 75,000 Miles |
#2
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If you have the radiator out, it makes it REALLY easy to replace the fan clutch without the special tools. I posted a while back suggesting a 1998-99 E300 Turbodiesel replacement fan + clutch as a cheaper alternative that actually cools better than the stock parts.
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#3
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The 606 fan works nice, I have one on my SDL but I use an M103 fan clutch.
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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look. '85 300SD 245k '87 300SDL 251k '90 300SEL 326k Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford. Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG] |
#4
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if it were me i would just change the radiator. it is so easy to take it out that it really doesnt make much sense to change other things prophelactically unless you know they are bad.
tom w
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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. |
#5
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Thanks, Tom.
All I can see is to drain it, disconnect hoses and transmission lines, pop the clips and lift it out. Insert new radiator, connect hoses and lines, and add coolant. Right? Or oversimplified? I really searched to get information, and didn't come up with much.
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Mike J Cary, NC 1987 300SDL 203,400 miles How NOT to buy a MB Diesel: Know little or nothing about diesels or Mercedes Benz. Get the WVO fever. Drive 70 miles to a used car lot in the country. Buy the car without having it inspected, because it seems like a good idea at the time.... I'll be back. I'm gonna need help. I love this car already! 1998 F-150 154,000 miles 1994 Geo Tracker 75,000 Miles |
#6
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Yes, it's that simple. I would do the rad hoses and the ATF lines for sure. Not sure on the water pump, if you have the extra cash... do it.
__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look. '85 300SD 245k '87 300SDL 251k '90 300SEL 326k Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford. Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG] |
#7
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You can't/won't drain the transmission through the cooling lines. A stub of rubber hose and a plug will keep you from losing a significant amount of ATF.
While the radiator is out, blow the accumulation of dirt out of the condenser fins. Might help to remove the auxiliary fan. Sixto 93 300SD |
#8
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Radiator installed!
It's life in the fast lane here on Saturday nights....
I'll fire up in the morning and look for leaks. "while in there..." I did both hoses. It was time, as the neck came off inside the upper hose. The reinforced necks look good. Lower hose was less fun than I hoped, but I'm a humble realtor, not a born mechanic. "While in there.." ordering parts, that is, also bought a steering damper. Wouldn't have tackled the job, but thanks to the MB Shop forum and lots of support. Thanks all who offer input.
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Mike J Cary, NC 1987 300SDL 203,400 miles How NOT to buy a MB Diesel: Know little or nothing about diesels or Mercedes Benz. Get the WVO fever. Drive 70 miles to a used car lot in the country. Buy the car without having it inspected, because it seems like a good idea at the time.... I'll be back. I'm gonna need help. I love this car already! 1998 F-150 154,000 miles 1994 Geo Tracker 75,000 Miles |
#9
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Do your front main seal... while you're in there.
__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look. '85 300SD 245k '87 300SDL 251k '90 300SEL 326k Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford. Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG] |
#10
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Had that done by a pro. Fellers here convinced me it is a little above my skill level.
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Mike J Cary, NC 1987 300SDL 203,400 miles How NOT to buy a MB Diesel: Know little or nothing about diesels or Mercedes Benz. Get the WVO fever. Drive 70 miles to a used car lot in the country. Buy the car without having it inspected, because it seems like a good idea at the time.... I'll be back. I'm gonna need help. I love this car already! 1998 F-150 154,000 miles 1994 Geo Tracker 75,000 Miles |
#11
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Quote:
lol - good to hear you did it. Doing mine in a few weeks. I should have zero external oil leaks after that.
__________________
I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look. '85 300SD 245k '87 300SDL 251k '90 300SEL 326k Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford. Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG] |
#12
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Test drive, cool running!
What a dramatic difference! Glad I got 'round to it!
Finally filled the system, 50/50 MB coolant and H2O. Got 10 1/2 quarts in, just about spec. I am assuming there is no significant air bubble. With the old radiator and fairly nasty coolant, I would be running at 85 degrees within half a mile of home, regardless of ambient temp. New coolant and radiator went 4 miles to get to 80 degrees, at 43F ambient. It held at 80 with heater on and lots of heat, about 82 with heater off, throughout a 15 mile run. Indy garage, guys I like, quoted $700 +/- to do the radiator. Didn't mention hoses. I have two new hoses, Behr radiator, coolant, and bruised knuckles for just under $400. And every time I do a job, I learn more about the car, and appreciate the ruggedness and durability more. And get a little more upside-down $$-wise. Delightful to drive this car that sat in the driveway for 6 weeks and pleaded with me for a run. Headed for the mountains this weekend, my first trip over 160 miles R/T. Sweet thing putting her faith in credit cards, rental cars, and AAA. LOL
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Mike J Cary, NC 1987 300SDL 203,400 miles How NOT to buy a MB Diesel: Know little or nothing about diesels or Mercedes Benz. Get the WVO fever. Drive 70 miles to a used car lot in the country. Buy the car without having it inspected, because it seems like a good idea at the time.... I'll be back. I'm gonna need help. I love this car already! 1998 F-150 154,000 miles 1994 Geo Tracker 75,000 Miles |
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