Noticed car temperature creeping up from 110F to 120F over the last several weeks. Last night while in a drive-thru temperature creeped up to 120F, fans kicked-on and then steam billowed from radiator. Once home, I noticed a split in the radiator along the seams near the upper radiator hose. Could the split be a result of pressure building up from blockage? Can the radiator be repaired? Thanks for any input!

Chances are there was a slow leak, as those plastic neck radiators have a tendency to crack. This was causing the gradual temperature increase, as less coolant was there, the cooling systems efficency was compromised further.

Temperature went up, pressures built up, and the crack widened, causing the big leak.

Time to replace the radiator, flush the system and you should be good to go.

It may be a good idea to replace hoses and thermostat preventatively if you are already in there.

Take care,

George

__________________
George Androulakis

Former Mb's:

1990 500sl R129 - 76k Original Miles - New project - Follow the saga http://90r129.blogspot.com/
1990 190E 2.6 148k mi (sold)
1989 420 SEL 246k mi (sold)
1995 C220 175k mi (sold)
1992 190e 2.6 74k original miles (sold)
2000 c230 Kompressor 122k miles (RIP)
1996 C220 149k mi (sold)
2000 C230 Kompressor Sport 127k (sold)

Current Cars:

2009 Mercedes c300 4matic
2006 Mercedes s430
2005 Jaguar XJR
2003 Cadillac Escalade

Thank you, George for the quick response...sounds like great advice...I was just worried the radiator split due to internal pressue build up.