OM617 NA Radiator options - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

guyonabuffalo · #1 02-02-2018, 04:05 PM

Hi folks,

Long time no post. Hope everyone has been well and enjoying their awesome cars.

I have recently been hit with a handful of problems. Most recent and potentially the worst is a pinhole leak on the plastic junction where the radiator hose connects to the radiator. I have been maintaining the water volume inside every 3-4 days until I can find a replacement.

Seems like radiators for non-turbo OM617 engines are not available anywhere, only the ones for the turbo engine.

Can these be made to fit? If not, are there viable aftermarket alternatives that I can try? In theory, couldnt I just find an aftermarket radiator with the exact dimensions and make t work? If so, how would the mounting work? I see there is a kit for mounting a radiator.

Sorry for the millions of questions. The weather is starting to warm up a little and I really dont want to wait until something horrible happens.

dkr · #2 02-02-2018, 05:33 PM

You just need to mount the bracket for the reserve tank and add a reserve tank and you can use the turbo radiator. The W123 chassis is exactly the same so there's no reason it won't bolt up and work.

Dkr.

guyonabuffalo · #3 02-02-2018, 05:59 PM

Really? If so, that excellent news. The turbo radiator/expansion tank set ups are readily available. I m sure I can mount the expansion tank somewhere reasonable.

dkr · #4 02-02-2018, 06:16 PM

I did a NA to turbo conversion once and I believe you need to weld the bracket on and you will need a donor from a turbo car. On my 1981 NA, the place for the bracket was exactly the same.

Dkr.

Phillytwotank · #5 02-03-2018, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkr

You just need to mount the bracket for the reserve tank and add a reserve tank and you can use the turbo radiator. The W123 chassis is exactly the same so there's no reason it won't bolt up and work.

Dkr.

I’ve done this as well. Fabricated a little bracket for the expansion tank on mine.

t walgamuth · #6 02-03-2018, 11:00 AM

I have a lovely, clean, 300d turbo radiator used I'll sell reasonably.

guyonabuffalo · #7 02-04-2018, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I think for now I will do a top replacement on my current radiator since its the cheapest and fastest option available near me.

Since more than 1 person has confirmed that the turbo rad will fit, I will do this upgrade in the next month or two along with an a/c system overhaul.

t walgamuth - I might hit you up about that radiator in a month or so. Thank you.

ROLLGUY · #8 02-04-2018, 08:19 PM

I have a good used N/A radiator, and I am not far from LA. Pm for details.

guyonabuffalo · #9 02-07-2018, 05:41 PM

Hi folks,

Sorry I havent updated things. I had the top plastic section redone by a radiator shop run by a friend. It was kind of urgent as the pinhole leak was spraying my entire engine bay with coolant and water. I couldnt wait or risk potentially causing significant damage since this is my daily driver.

The top cap replacement cost me $120 including installation and everything. That might be pricier compared to getting a used good radiator and installing it myself, but the timing of it all was unfortunate. I really didnt want to risk anything or wait any longer.