How much water do you have to add each month? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#16 04-16-2007, 08:25 AM

Probably just a minor leak someplace. Check all the hose clamps again, when mine did that it turned out to be the clamps on the short hose on the water pump were a little loose. Replacing the cap also won't hurt.

tobybul · #17 04-16-2007, 08:45 AM

I'd send an oil sample to Blackstone to see of any presence in the engine. Hate to even suggest that.

I have a 99 Taurus that had 170k. For 2 years I kept on filling the reservoir cuz coolant would disappear like very week but absolutely no leaks. Car ran fine. Coolant always looked brown. Changed radiator and reservoir. No luck

.

Eventually, oil started looking milky/creamy. Didn't bother with overhaul. Had engine replaced with used one with 10k miles. No more coolant loss

.

Hope you don't have this.

I used to rent a pressure test kit from AZ. This helped me find a coolant leak but normally not when there is a breach. If there is a leak, coolant would be squirting out somewhere. Follow instructions of the kit so the system is not over pressurized. If I recall, the instructions said not to go over a certain PSI like 14. It should be on the instructions.

Another possibility of a leak is the heater core. Check for wetness of carpet under the dash.

NoCalMer · #18 04-16-2007, 12:06 PM

I doubt it is the head gasket but you never know. I just changed the oil and it looked normal. I will check the weep hole on the water pump. I have added straight coolant sometimes so the ratio is close. The glycol does not evaporate so normal topping off of the coolant should just need water unless there is a leak which sounds like my problem.

After I check the weep hole, I might drain the system and do a pressure test and change the thermostat.

Can someone confirm the vent tube on the reservoir is suppose to be open and hang down underneath it?

vstech · #19 04-16-2007, 12:13 PM

yes, there should be a small line off the neck of the filler cap that routes under the tank to the fenderwell. not to be confused with the small line that goes from the top of the radiator to the top of the tank.
John

#20 04-16-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoCalMer

Can someone confirm the vent tube on the reservoir is suppose to be open and hang down underneath it?

Yes that is correct, and if you see evidence that coolant is escaping through that hose (without overheating) you need to replace you cap.

truckinik · #21 04-16-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

yes, there should be a small line off the neck of the filler cap that routes under the tank to the fenderwell. not to be confused with the small line that goes from the top of the radiator to the top of the tank.
John

A bit off topic, but how's that Astro with the 450k on it doing...? I just read that and laughed so hard. I thought it was a joke..450k out of an Astro? You must be doing something right.. It's not still on the original...anything is it? Just curious. I've never seen an Astro, or older G.M. small engine/mini type of thing go that long. I find it rather amusing. You should call up GM, and see if they'd like to buy it back. They do that with high milers. I don't know what exactly it is they do with them, but I think it's something in the R+D department.

Gurkha · #22 04-16-2007, 12:49 PM

Even having driven in 52C weather in the Rajasthan desert here, I had no issues of the temp needle going over 81c, also no need for top up for the coolant, only every six months do I have to top it up and that too very little.

vstech · #23 04-16-2007, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckinik

A bit off topic, but how's that Astro with the 450k on it doing...? I just read that and laughed so hard. I thought it was a joke..450k out of an Astro? You must be doing something right.. It's not still on the original...anything is it? Just curious. I've never seen an Astro, or older G.M. small engine/mini type of thing go that long. I find it rather amusing. You should call up GM, and see if they'd like to buy it back. They do that with high milers. I don't know what exactly it is they do with them, but I think it's something in the R+D department.

starts and runs great, original motor only. several new PS pumps, water pumps, alternators, starters, front motor plate accessory brackets, transmissions, rear differentials, door handles, etc. etc. yeah, R&D on how to stop it from getting such high mileage!
really, check out astrosafari.com, the astro when well cared for will never die.
John