Car is loosing coolant. 2 qts in 80 miles with ac on half the time. temp climbs from 80 to 100C with ac on or when driving up hill. Water pump does not leak when pressurized. Also losing washer fluid down to top of heater coil. My mechanic thinks they are related and each will be cured by replacing the washer heater coil. I think they are on separate system. Mechanic has been working on these cars since 1957 and has been able to fix things that others in town could not. Very confident in him but puzzled and not wanting to trash a low mileage engine.

If the washer's heater coil has failed...........wouldn't the washer tank fill with coolant...........so, you'd have more fluid in the tank...........and less fluid in the cooling system.

I don't know how he can argue that the loss of fluid in both the washer tank and the cooling system is related?

Did you check the condition of the oil to see if coolant is seeping into it?

Also have a look at the exhaust, any white smoke that does not dissipate as quickly as normal?

Smell the exhaust and see if it has the odor of coolant mixed in with the diesel.

It is VERY LIKELY that you have a failing head gasket. Stopping this condition early can save you a lot of money and possibly prevent the need for an engine overhaul. When excessive coolant gets in the cylinders it will cause terrific damage to the engine.

Check these items quickly!

Eddie E.

300 SDL
325K

unless, the heater and the tank itself are cracked, leaking out both liquids at the same time!

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

True......but, two quarts in 80 miles.......that ought to be obvious if it's external.

No, I'm sorry to say that it looks to be a head gasket.............

got to be a head gasket, or worse---any water in the oil? the windshield washer fluid is heated by the cooling water and the heat will evaporate the washer fluid from the reservoir(especialy if superheated by exhaust gas) but you would see antifreeze in the res. if the alum. tube was cracked. get this fixed immediately or piston will bind, bend connecting rod and cause engine to self destruct I own one of these and replaced HG at 200K. I was getting oil in water. I do my own work and when I pulled the head two of the head bolts where not as tight as I though they should be. I think they stretch the head bolts. Had head checked for cracks and flatness also use new OE head bolts (I think after market bolts are softer, best to spend the extra money). If the head is wrapped or cracked I have a #14 head I pulled off, a wreck. If you need it I'll take it to the machine shop and have it checked and sell you the head, pre-cham's, valves etc for $250 the valves look good. I think they can be lapped and installed. Higher number heads are better but hyper expensive to buy. These 350 engines are fragile, making them oversquare causes connecting rod, cyl wear and head gasket probs. Oil has to be changed (I use slick 50 or greased lightning additive) per schedule and keep an eye on anti-freeze and water temp. Fan clutches wear out and cause over heating. Good luck.

a hydrolock of small proportions (one that involves just slightly more liquid than the voumn of the combustion chamber) might stretch a couple of head bolts.

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.