Radiator availability '91 350SDL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #1 04-06-2015, 03:07 PM

It seems that a radiator for my '91 350SDL is not available from PP, or even my local supplier (1-800 RADIATOR). Is there a chance that a gasser (300SEL) radiator will work? How about one from a newer E300 (210 chassis)? I am not sure what years were the same, so I don't even know what to look for in a wrecking yard. Thanks, Rich

daw_two · #2 04-06-2015, 03:29 PM

Rich.

I've got a used one sitting in my garage if you are interested.

DeliveryValve · #3 04-06-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

It seems that a radiator for my '91 350SDL is not available from PP, or even my local supplier (1-800 RADIATOR). Is there a chance that a gasser (300SEL) radiator will work? How about one from a newer E300 (210 chassis)? I am not sure what years were the same, so I don't even know what to look for in a wrecking yard. Thanks, Rich

No a 300se radiator will not work. Too small. W210 radiators will not fit also.

Your best bet is a used specific unit (perhaps from daw_two) or a top of the line all aluminum Wizard Cooling radiator.
High Performance 1986-87 MERCEDES 300 SDL Aluminum Radiator

Or maybe from this unknown to me outfit that also makes an all aluminum radiator. Not as nice looking as the Wizard unit.
1991 Mercedes Benz 350sdl All Aluminum Radiator | All Aluminum Radiator | Mercedes Benz Auto Parts

.

ROLLGUY · #4 04-06-2015, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daw_two

Rich.

I've got a used one sitting in my garage if you are interested.

PM sent

ROLLGUY · #5 04-06-2015, 06:29 PM

I just found a new one for $220 shipped. Not sure of the quality, but we shall see.....Rich

ROLLGUY · #6 04-13-2015, 02:09 PM

As it turned out, the radiator I ordered (ebay) was not available. I am still in the hunt. daw_two has one, but I would still like to find a new one, or a good used one closer to CA. Anyone care to look for one in their local wrecking yard for me? I think one from any 6cyl 126 will work. The core measures 27 1/2" wide, and 18" tall. I know a rad from an SE will NOT work, as the tanks are on the sides, and the connections are on the same side. If I did find one from another car that was close in size and had the connections in the right spot, I would make it work.

compu_85 · #7 04-13-2015, 02:23 PM

As you surmised the radiator is specific to the 6 cylinder diesel W126. AFAIK it's rapidly becoming NLA

When I was at AutoZone a few weeks ago they said they could still get them

-J

ROLLGUY · #8 04-13-2015, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

As you surmised the radiator is specific to the 6 cylinder diesel W126. AFAIK it's rapidly becoming NLA

When I was at AutoZone a few weeks ago they said they could still get them

-J

Maybe I will try AZ!

ROLLGUY · #9 04-14-2015, 12:14 AM

I tried this one again:
1991 Mercedes Benz 350sdl All Aluminum Radiator | All Aluminum Radiator | Mercedes Benz Auto Parts
I actually was able to finally talk to a live person, and placed the order. The last time I looked at the site, this radiator was not available. I looked again, and it was, so I called and waited on hold for a half hour (so it seemed). If and when it arrives, I will let you all know how it looks....Rich

compu_85 · #10 04-14-2015, 07:59 AM

Cool! Be sure to take pictures when it arrives. It will be sweet if there is a source for these again.

-J

ROLLGUY · #11 04-16-2015, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

Cool! Be sure to take pictures when it arrives. It will be sweet if there is a source for these again.

-J

Here it is:

It actually looks very nice. I am taking it to my radiator shop to have it pressure tested. I won't know how good it works or fits for a couple weeks, as the car is in the body shop getting the frame straightened and the core support changed.....Rich

DeliveryValve · #12 04-16-2015, 06:14 PM

Thanks for posting the pic. Looks good and I hope it turns out well.

Hit Man X · #13 04-16-2015, 06:31 PM

Neat! I too am curious of its cooling capacity and fitment.

ROLLGUY · #14 04-17-2015, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliveryValve

Thanks for posting the pic. Looks good and I hope it turns out well.

Even though I had to pay my radiator shop $20 to test and repair a weld, it is still worth the $ ($220 delivered). I decided to just pay to have it fixed, rather than send it back for replacement....Rich

BenzTurbo · #15 04-17-2015, 03:24 AM

very cool! i had a friend lose his 350sd's rad to a broken neck. he had to have the car ASAP and couldn't find any radiators at all at the time. i installed an om617 rad and engine oil cooler. plugged the port on the 617 rad that went to expansion tank, found a new upper hose that fit, and had my local hose shop fab some lines that went from the 617's oil cooler to the trans cooler lines because the 603's fan blade sits low and would hit the fittings on the radiator's trans cooler if used. no fan shroud was used because this was a temporary fix until a proper replacement was found. this worked fine at the end of least summer (still low 90's out). i'm sure it could reach it's limit if the conditions got bad. his 350 is back in business with a correct radiator now but i thought that was pretty creative for the time being and with a proper shroud may be alright. but this aluminum one for $220 is a steal if it works out well!