560SL Radiator Question

[Litton]

Just got a call from my Mech who is replacing the AC compressor with the bad news that my radiatior has a slight leak. The source of the leak is unkown but her recommeded a new radiator at $700.00 installed. I know these are pricey items but they are out there for less then $300 on the aftermarket. I told him to hold off for the time being.

Any tips on aftermarket units and how difficult are they to replace.

tks in advance for any advice.

[rickjordan]

Have you check out Fastlane or given a call to Phil? I just checked Fastlane for you and a Behr (OEM) radiator is $532, no tax or shipping charges, right to your door.

As for changing one out, I recently relaced the one on my 380SL. Nothing out of the ordinary. Disconnect the trans. cooling lines, upper and lower rad. hoses, fan shroud, then pull/push up. Well first remove the side clips. Now your 560 may be different, but generally radiator removals are pretty much the same regardless of the car.

[Litton]

Thanks for the reply. I can find the Behr for ~450.00 if I shop around and there are alternate suppliers for less then $300.00. I was wondering what justifies that large of a price differance.

[rickjordan]

Call Phil, he can source anything and usually for a better price. He'll price match also. He can tell which brands to avoid. Behr is OEM, so I guess there is a premium to be paid for that. I had to replace my wife's radiator in her 87 TD, I went with Nissens, made in Denark. Haven't had any issues going on 2 years now.

[1984 280SL]

Have you checked with a few radiator shops and have them rebuild yours? You may save a few $$$

[rickjordan]

I know I tried to find someone who would actually repair a radiator, but no luck. Since car companies have switched to plastic tanks that can't be repaired, it's just another replacement item.

[Walrus]

rickjordan

Yes you are right... to a certain extent. I had new tanks put on my 560Sl BEHR radiator just recently. Tanks, plus thorough cleaning was 150$US at my local shop. I had already replaced the behr with an all-metal zeigler (280$US), but I think this fall I will remove the zeigler and put my original behr back in...


Good Luck!

[Kebowers]

check radiators.com for OEM equivalent radiators at less than 1/3 of MB prices. excellent construction ,fantastic delivery speed, great price.

There is no magic in Behr radiators. After all--they also make the AC evaporators that develop leaks regularly.

[Litton]

walrus, I,m curious as to why you are pulling the all-metal radaitor in favor of the repaired Behr? How did the shop repair the Behr, it looks like the tanks are only crimped whitch would suggest that a gasket leaked or a tank cracked.....unless it was a leak in the core?

[Walrus]

"walrus, I,m curious as to why you are pulling the all-metal radaitor in favor of the repaired Behr? How did the shop repair the Behr, it looks like the tanks are only crimped whitch would suggest that a gasket leaked or a tank cracked.....unless it was a leak in the core?"

Hey Litton,

I am thinking about pulling the metal one for a few of reasons:
1. Brass/Copper does not transfer heat as well as Aluminum
2. The Zeigler I bought has 5 less cooling tubes than the original BEHR unit
3. I like the idea of returning the car to original equipment.

The shop crimed new tanks with new gaskets... I had the well-documented water neck breakage on the top hose barb is why the replacement was necessary. I found it quite by accident on day during routine service. I decided to check/change hose(s). When I loosened the clamp, the hose slid off very easily (which is usually not the case). Upon inspection, I found half the barb still in the hose with just enough left to barely secure the hose to the radiator.