Has anyone added a coolant expansion tank / reservoir to an OM616? I hate the fact that it just drains out on the ground when it gets hot.

Any suggestions?

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1982 240D - 292,000 miles and counting
Same family for 33 years
Newly rebuilt Monark injectors
Newly replaced clutch
New Bilstein shocks

First step would be to consider fixing whatever is making it get hot.

The easiest thing would be to simply install an "overflow" bottle (different than an expansion tank). This simply will catch any spillage, and you can dispose of it or pour it back in the radiator. You can get universal overflow bottles at any auto parts store. Or, you can make one from any plastic bottle.

If you want a true, stock looking, expansion tank you can install a 300D turbo radiator and expansion tank. Beyond those parts, you'll need the hoses that go from the radiator to the expansion tank, and the bracket that holds the expansion tank to the passenger side fender.

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1979 300D 040 Black on Black - 1985 300D Maaco job (sadly sprayed over 199 Black Pearl Metallic) on Palamino

http://i.imgur.com/LslW733.jpg

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An expansion tank properly designed is a great help to cooling...
as it allows the system to purge itself of all air...

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html