My 86 300sdl is running a bit hot for my liking. It hovers around 100 degrees most of the time, without much fluctuation. I am looking at various radiators and pondering whether or not a radiator from a v8 126 would fit without much fuss. I would imagine that the radiator from the gas model would have a bit extra cooling capacity, and i would like this since i live in new orleans, and it gets HOT here!! Anyone know if this is possible??

The V8's hose connects to the opposite side than the SDL 603 diesel....that'd be an issue....

Its not worth it, just use the right radiator. A proper new 603 radiator should keep it under 95C in essentially all weather if your fans are working right....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I agree that a new radiator for the 603 would be the thing to do. I live in NE Louisiana and it gets plenty hot and humid here. My car always runs around 85-90 degrees on the gauge, unless I am sitting in the drive thru at McD's. It can then creep up a little, but never to 100. My fan clutch is operating correctly and my electric fan in front of the condenser operates correctly.

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John
1986 300sdl
1985 380se

I just bought a brand new behr radiator for an SDL for under $300 shipped, thats about as good of a price as you'll find. That along with a new t-stat and expansion tank keeps the temps on that car at 82C at all times now. Before it was consistently 100-115C.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Why don't you consider removing the radiator and thoroughly cleaning the passages through the fins using some condenser cleaner and/or a pressure washer (with care)?

The engine temperature will likely fall 5°C. or so.

BTW, the '86 runs at 95°C. when the a/c is on.........unless we're going downhill. It will climb to just over 100°C. on an upgrade. I'm not concerned about it in the slightest..........