coolant problem 1994 500sl

[geno]

I pulled into my garage and walked around the car and noticed a large amount of coolant running under the car.While driving I didn't notice any increase in temperature and I'm sure the warning light didn't come on.I put some coolant in and the car and it seems to operate fine.Needless to say, I'm hesitant to drive any distance until the problem is corrected.
I have ordered a new coolant cap-just in case.
I now tend to believe possibly the auxilary fans didn't kick in with the increase in temperature after the engine was shut off.

Does anyone have an input as to what might be my solution?
also,does anyone know if there is a fuse and/or relay for the auxiliary fans and where they are located?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[kip Foss]

Often when one drives a car hard and puts it up hot the residual heat in the engine will cause the radiator to overflow just a bit. Wait till it cools and check the level. It shouldn't be down much. Check where the leak comes from. Your overflow tank might be full and this little bit extra is enough to take it over the top.

A radiator man told me that the easiest way to check whether you need to rod out your radiator is to disconnect the top and bottom hoses. Put your hand over the bottom outlet and fill the radiator. Then remove your hand. If the water comes out in one, large, steady stream your core is probably clean enough for normal use. If it doesn't then you probably need a rod out or a new core.

[geno]

Thank you for the reply.

I took the car to the mercedes dealer and they couldn't find a problem. I still don't fell 100% sure there isn't a problem, but I'm hoping.The temperture on the highway creaps up to about 100 degrees on the gauge-do you know if this is normal?

[kip Foss]

If your temp. gauge is in F deg. then there is something wrong with the gauge. A F deg. gauge can read about 220 to 235 deg., if you are using a 16 psi radiator cap, and still be ok. If your gauge is in C deg. then 100 deg. is about right or just a bit low. Regardless of the temp. system marking on the gauge the needle should be about in the middle or a bit above.

If the gauge is reading low then your thermostat is sticking open. If it is high then it is sticking partially closed. If the thermostat is good and the reading is still high you might need a radiator rod out.