Forgot to mention one more thing. I am going to flush the green antifreeze that I used temporarily with some new OEM Mercedes antifreeze that I also bought. I had to buy 2 large containers since they only sell it in one size.

http://img42.exs.cx/img42/5083/DSC02033.jpg

Cost:$43.68 Canadian for 2x 3.785 liters/ 1 US gallon taxes included.
The parts guy cut me a deal and gave it to me for $32.91 taxes included.

I'm going to have to change the coolant tomorrow. Should I buy some kind of radiator flush?

I flushed mine with tap water.

- drain the green stuff (use both rad and block drains)
- fill with water
- run the car until hot, and thermostat opens to circulate through the rad
- let cool
- drain rad and block
repeat

then use distilled and MB at 50/50.

Jorg

I think the parts guy ripped you off. You definitely overpaid.

I bought the same stuff from my Authorized Mercedes dealer here in Montreal. The cost is $18.00 Cdn. for the same amount and in the identical container that's in your picture. [I just went to look at it in my Garage to make sure]

$18.00 Cdn is the standard retail price for the 3.785 Litres container of MB antifreeze. His parts Dep't also gives me an additional 10% discount just for asking, so its closer to $16.00 Cdn per container.

Good luck with the repair

Phil

Your best price is $16.00 Cdn x 2 = $32.00 Cdn + TPS 7% and TVQ 7.5% = $36.81

I paid $32.91 taxes included. I think I did alright.

Sorry, I thought the price of $32.00 you paid was for each.

You did better then me


Phil

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...ies/tongue.gif

Thanks for your help.

Glad you found the problem and fixed it. I looked up the manual to see what MB recommends for the water... it says

"The water in the cooling system must meet minimum requirements, which are usually satisfied by normal drinking water. If you are not sure about the water quality, consult your authorized MB dealer."

So distilled water would be suitable, I guess.

Thank you very much. I'll just get the distilled water to be on the safe side.

I forget the reason now, but I have read in several places that distilled water IS NOT a good idea. The reasons that were given for not using distilled water made sense at the time, but as I said, I now don't remember what they were. Stick to regular tap water, and the MB antifreeze. You will be just fine.

By the Way, you were lucky in able to find your leak almost immediately. I have been struggling to locate a very slow leak for the last year or so and was not able to find it until last week. I was concerned as I thought it may be an internal leak such as a cracked block or a head-gasket. An external leak is ALWAY cheaper to fix then an internal leak. It turned out to be the water-pump housing. It was dripping so slowly and in such a way that it was almost impossible to locate. I persevered, and was lucky to finally find the source last week.

I tightened the bolts, which were slightly loose, and am now hoping that its fixed. Even if if still leaks a bit, I can live with that, especially knowing that its not more serious than that.


Phil

That's a long time to find a leak! That would have drove me crazy. Glad you finally found it. We both got lucky with cheap$$$ fixes for our problems this time ;).

i suspect a faulty thermostat.if it did not open pressure could have builtup and blown out at one of the hose connections upper or lower on that side of the radiator

Yes it has been a very long time to find this stupid leak and was extremely frustrating. I would open the hood and look at the engine bay almost every night with a flashlight, hoping to see something. I did it at night as the contrast of the flashlight light in the dark made it easier then looking in bright sunlight.

My wife and neighbours thought that I was a nut case. Anyway I did not give-up, and last week it finally paid off.

How did you fix your leak? Did you get, a new Radiator nipple.

Phil

I'm going to buy a new thermostat on Monday. It's worth buying for the peace of mind. My usual parts supplier has the Wahler thermostat for $20.00 Canadian. Mercedes dealer has it for only $23.50 Canadian and it's part # 110 200 05 15. I'm just going to buy the OEM one since they are in the same price range.

Take a look at post #23 in this thread.

Just bought a gallon of Zerex G-05 and it was 10 bucks! (American)