Where is engine coolant drain located ?(1983 300SD)

[James L]

Where is the engine coolant drain bolt located. The service CD says (right-passenger side?) foward of starter, near rear of engine mount. I have crawled under car, looked from all areas of top of the engine and can not find the drain plug!! Do I need to take the round air filter housing off to see it? Is it up high or near the bottom of the engine?

Thanks

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

It should be on the right side of the block under the exhaust manifold.

[be459]

Draw the shortest imaginary line from the starter to the center of the radiator. The plug should be about 2 to 3 inches from the point where the line starts. In other words, it is very close to the starter. It is possibly located at the same level as the starter or a little higher. I do not see anyway you can reach it from the top. You have to do it under the car.

I hope that helps.

David

[James L]

Thanks guys I will crawl back under tomorow. Very familar with starter since I replaced it myself last year! Is the coolant drain bolt a flat hex bolt against the engine block or a protrusion with bolt?

[be459]

It is a a flat hex bolt. I forget the size. It is better to have the metal washer handy before removing the plug. I suppose you can use Permentex sealant on the threads to prevent any coolent leakage if the old washer is bad. I change the washer everytime, p/n 07-11-9-963-200.
Check with FastLane to see if they have the washer. It does not look like a MB p/n to me but that is the number I used to order the washer from my supplier. If the p/n is no good, try 07-11-9-963. Different suppliers may have different part numbers.

David

[be459]

I forgot one more thing. You possibly drain the radiator too at the same time. The plug is plastic. If you screw it too tight, it may break. Once it breaks, the car will be grounded. Order a spare plug for the radiator if you do not already have one.

David