Just a quick amatuer question:
The old style W123 radiator has the cap on the top, the newer ones are sealed with the overflow tank.
Are they swappable?
I just got my hands on a nice newer one to replace my weeping old style one, just thought it is better to ask the experts...

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

I've never heard of anyone doing that, but it certainly sounds feasable. Just make sure you get all the right parts...

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'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)

Careful with the nipple to the overflow tank. At least a couple people here have reported leaning on it for support while working on the engine, and snapping it off.

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Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References

I've got a spare cap on top radiator if you want it, also on the cental CA coast...

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'84 300SD veg-oil bliss
'83 300SD veg-oil beater

If you snap off the nipple, I have a very good fix for it. It involves a long explanation, but if you need to fix one, just ask.

Good luck,

not sure about your question, but I just replaced what i think was the original radiator, with a used one that must have been just put in, judging by how shiny and absolutely bug-free it was. Mechanic said the old one was 2 row, and this one is 3? I think it had come out of a 300SD. Shop sold it to me for $100, and put it, thermostat, new belts/hoses (that i had bought) and new tranny cooler lines for another $250, 350 total. Seemed pretty good...

Funny thing though...now it runs a bit hotter, when under low/no load, like going down a long hill. Used to drop down to 85 or so, now doesn't go much below 95. But, instead of bumping up to 110-115, never gets over 105. Thinking the new thermostat might be what made the change. May have been that the old one ran too cool? I do remember having trouble getting good heat out of it on long downhills last winter...

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1983 300D- silver blue, tan leather, 205,000.
1975 Datsun 280Z. Stock, ready to restore.
1983 San Juan 23. Dry docked.

The tank on the newer style is not an overflow tank, but part of the pressure cooling system. The tank has the pressure cap for the cooling system and is attached to the radiator by the small hose on top and a larger hose running to the bottom of the radiator. You would have to add the reservoir and top and bottom hoses for the change. The fan shroud is also different between the two, but might still fit with minor modifications. I'm almost positive the new radiator will fit the old style's existing mount points.

Thanks for the input, everyone.
I think what I was most concerned about was pressure differences, cooling capacity, ect.
Upon reflection, it seems like a turbo radiator would maybe do a better job on my non-turbo.

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Think Alternative Energy!
300CD '80 (now gone but not forgotten...)

Does anyone know what the difference is between these two radiators (saw thm on fastlane)?
My 300CD has the behr in it now (with AC, trans, and oil cooler).
There is quite a cost difference between the two. Maybe plastic tanks vs. metal tanks, maybe doesn't include the trans or oi coolers?

I plan to take this one out, pressureize & test, but if it needs replacement I'd like to save some cash if there is no difference.

Thanks.

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1985 300CD 279k
2000 F250 powerstroke

I have added a coolant recovery tank on the '82 and '84 300Ds, with the aftermarket radiator cap, to allow the recovery tank to be used.
Works well, the top tank stays full, the reservoir indicates the coolant level.

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Tony from West Oz.
Fatmobile 3 84 300D 295kkm Silver grey/Blue int. 2 tank WVO - Recipient of TurboDesel engine.
Josephine '82 300D 390kkm White/Palamino int.
Elizabeth '81 280E, sporting a '79 300D engine.
Lucille '87 W124 300D non-turbo 6 cylinder OM603, Pearl Grey with light grey interior


Various parts cars including 280E, 230C & 300D in various states of disassembly.