Radiator help!!
 

Hi folks,

While doing some work under the hood on my 83 300D today, I somehow managed to snap off the plastic nipple on the top of the radiator where the hose from the overflow tank attaches.

Does anyone have a good fix for this outside of buying a new radiator? I really do not have the scratch for a new radiator right now, and the old one is working fine. Can I plug the end of the hose coming from the overflow tank and the outlet at the radiator and get by for awhile?. Or could I possibly ream out the top on the radiator where the nipple attached a little bit, then insert a small hollow tube (and seal with JB weld or the like) and re-attach the hose (i.e. make a new nipple).

Need the car in a couple days so any help is greatly appreciated.

Glenn

Do a search on the topic. Lots of goods threads and pictures. An insert and epoxy is the most effective solution I think.

most people have repaired that with a tire valve stem and a nut

Well, the more I tinkered with it the worse it got, Actually found part of the plastic around the top cracked and just waiting to leak, so I am going to get a new radiator....

Tried searching and it is not my friend today, so does anyone have a link to a good radiator R & R write up. I have replaced a couple radiators before, but not on my W123. Any things to watch out for when I remove the trans cooler lines? How do you remove the oil cooler from the radiator without damaging it.

Thanks,

Glenn

Replace the top plastic tank.

the oil cooler should just have a bolt at the top and bottom where it attaches to the radiator. the transmission cooler lines will leak a little when you take em off, so you might want to find something to plug them up with. other than that, it's pretty easy! there is good access to everything, at least on my 81 300d and 77 240d

Try this http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/194578-radiator-recovery.html#post1567361

Does anyone know where we can buy just the tanks, be it Nissens or Behr branded? I can't find anywhere that sells the tanks only.