Hi,

I've noticed that the coolant is leaking through the cap. Please have a look at the pics and advise. Also, the temperature gauge is showing the wrong temperature - between 40 and 50 degrees C.

How difficult is to change the thermostat and gauge? Also, is the level of hydraulic oil too low - can be seen on the pictures?

Thanks!

Martin Wollny (UK)
1972 Mercedes 280SE 3.5 (manual)
1979 Mercedes 230
1993 Mercedes E500
(www.motorsnippets.com)

http://www.motorsnippets.com/cars/new_merc/index.htm

The pictures of the radiator are at the bottom of this page, below the navigation for the next page!

A new coolant reservoir cap is an inexpensive place to start at probably less than 3£. The thermostat is a pretty easy change out. When you say the temp guage is showing the wrong temp, are you refering to the engine temp guage at the left of the instrument panel, or the outside air temp guage at the center of the instrument panel (digital display under the letters 'MPH')? The latter is not very accurate, and sensitive to engine heat.

__________________
John

2003 Firemist Red/grey leather SL 500
2015 Palladium Silver/black mbtex GLK 350
1987 Smoke Silver/burgundy mbtex 300E Sportline (SOLD)

Click to see 87 300E

It's the engine temperature gauge that is showing between 40 and 50 degrees, but when I lift the bonett, there is no doubt that the temperature is higher.

I'd appreciate if you could point me in the right direction regarding installing a new thermostat.

Thanks

Martin Wollny (UK)
1972 Mercedes 280SE 3.5 (manual)
1979 Mercedes 230
1993 Mercedes E500
(www.motorsnippets.com)

BE careful when you change the thermostat. The 119 v8 is notorious for developing air pockets, and needs to be bled properly, otherwise the temp. will fluctuate.

AS far as the hydraulic oil, why not just pull the tiny dipstick? If its tight, spray with some WD40 and put some pliers on it. Change the small filter in there as soon as you can, and if possible have the fluid flushed (it will save your shocks down the road).

David Hendy
'92 500E 66k miles

Martin:

It may prove to be a bit too time intensive and financially punitive; however, you may wish to consider replacing as many of your worn-out hoses and linkages as you can, as soon as possible. It will save you headaches, down the road, and afford you a bit more peace of mind.

What better time to do so than the present?

2 months ago, I endured a ruptured (coolant) hose - an event that caused me to pull off the highway IMMEDIATELY (!!!)... No one wants/needs a melted engine block!

Just my $0.02 (as seems to be my cliché salutation, of late),

[Edited by run.exe on 05-09-2001 at 01:01 AM]

Exactly my thoughts. I want to replace all the hoses for the coolant and also the ones around windscreen washer tank as they are leaking at the joint.

The only problem:
I don't have a manual and I don't know what part number I need to order. I'd like to get the whole set with clamps and everything.

How do I take the windscreen washer tank off?

Is there a workshop manual for E500/500E?

Regards

Martin Wollny (UK)
1972 Mercedes 280SE 3.5 (manual)
1979 Mercedes 230
1993 Mercedes E500
(www.motorsnippets.com)

Don't forget to replace the coolant bottle, too, if you see any signs of fatigue/discoloration/cracking...