88 560SL running hot?

[mattcara]

hey all,

i have an 88 560SL 80k miles. really mint in excellent condition


my question is, in these hot summer days i feel like the car is getting to hot in traffic. The car and engine feel hot and it gets me nervous.
the temp gauge doesnt go up to the redline, but it does increase.

how can i find out if there is something wrong? i really dont want to damage the engine if something is wrong, but i also just need to know if this is normal. i have never experineced a hot car like this.


any advice would be awsome

thank you

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by mattcara

...The temp gauge doesnt go up to the redline, but it does increase...

That alone is a good sign. In traffic, there is reduced air flow, so an increase is normal. The electric auxiliary fan is supposed to engage to keep temps below 'red line.'

Originally Posted by mattcara

...i feel like the car is getting to hot in traffic. The car and engine feel hot and it gets me nervous...

Remember, your engine is happy at 80-110C, which is quite hot to us humans. A LOT of hot air will pour out of the engine compartment, even on a cool day. We are just conditioned to get nervous at temps that are considered normal and expected for the engine.

Watch that gauge, but don't panic. If it rises and falls, the fan(s) are doing what they are supposed to do.

Best Regards,
Jim

[mattcara]

thanks jim

i think you might be right, i just wanted to hear it from someone else.

do you think newer car just cool them selves off better? i have a feeling that technology today is just better then the 80's , but i still ove my 560SL too much to trade it in.

Matt

[jhodg5ck]

My SL is Rock solid b/w 80-85. If the cars temp rises quickly once you stop moving I would wager your fan clutch is shot. Common item to fail.

You'll want the Sachs unit over the Behr at this point.

When was the cooling system flushed last?

Jonathan

[mattcara]

i had new coolant put in about 1000k miles ago.


but i didnt flush it and i never changed the fan clutch. when i bought it last fall. i knew the prev. owner kept it in tip top shape.

but i suspect that something has just gotten old and needs to be replaced.

i just found a good independ. MB shop so i will start with your suggests.

my car is just idiling too damn hot~