Safe/OK to Bypass Washer Fluid Heater Coil? 1998 E300
 

So my washer fluid reservoir filled up with coolant this weekend, and I can't find a washer fluid heating coil in-stock locally. I was planning to remove the heating coil entirely and connect the inlet and outlet coolant hoses together. I use the -20*F washer fluid and live in the South, so I might stick with this shadetree solution indefinitely. Any danger or risk in doing so?

Only reason I ask is because of the thermostat/thermovalve attached to the heating coil. I don't want to disrupt the flow of coolant to the engine by connecting the hoses together. Coolant flow and washer fluid temp is tightly regulated between 20-30*C in the factory setup.

Thanks as always.

Should be fine...did that on a 92 300D. Really don't need the heated washer fluid in the South.

It is better to block the hoses than connect them together. Connecting together lets hot water to bypass the radiator.

Find where the hoses to and you may be able to eliminate the $$ molded " T " hoses if your car uses them. Your car might have a plastic T in the heater hose at the firewall, changing this to a non T may be possible if this body style ever came that way. Also look for a heated windshield base, you can block it's water source as well.

I blocked / changed hoses on my 97 SL320 since it never sees winter duty, car acts the same as my 97 C280. ( same engine series )

If your car has heated washer tubing and nozzles, they will still work as they are electric.

My 99 heater coil leaked antifreeze into the coolant and smeared the windshield. I looped it with a short copper tube with no ill effects. Blocking sounds good to.