Little radiator nub popped off - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ksing44 · #1 03-03-2006, 09:14 AM

My little plastic nub just popped off the radiator again. The parts department called it just a fitting, part number 0005000894. It only cost $8.00, so tha is much better than the head gasket. I wonder why it is doing that now. The dealer told me that they do not remove it during the flush or when they were replacing the water pump, but it seems odd that it is doing it now. As many of you have said, it is 11-years-old. I may try just spreading the ends a bit, until I can get back to the dealer. It looks like it is simply held in place by the pressure of the fit. Again, that seems rather odd for such a sophisticated machine, with a radiator cap that is pressure sensitive. Why would they have that second very simple little plastic thing that can just pop off?

lee polowczuk · #2 03-03-2006, 11:07 AM

sounds like it was never fitted correctly in the first place.

Based on the construction of the fitting it seems like it would break before "popping" off.

I've always kept a spare out of fear of breakage... but so far that has not happened.

ksing44 · #3 03-03-2006, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee polowczuk

sounds like it was never fitted correctly in the first place.

That is what I thought, but they said they never messed with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee polowczuk

Based on the construction of the fitting it seems like it would break before "popping" off.

It does look kind of fragile when it is just inserted into the radiator, but the little thing is actually quite sturdy when you have it out and hold it in your hand. It is just a very small hard plastic thingy with flared ends that must make for the pressure fit.

Qamar · #4 03-03-2006, 01:44 PM

Mine one also poped up, i just had and epoxy stell on it. It is doing fine for the last 15000 Km. No problem at all.

cudaspaz · #5 03-03-2006, 05:10 PM

Sounds funny, but a little trick I learned to keep it in place good.

Take off the top radiator hose near the fitting that keeps popping off and look inside the neck where you just took the hose off.

Some cars have a small clip that you have to install to keep it clipped into place. You may need that as well.

You have to take off the top hose to access it inside the hose neck.

A zip tie will also do the trick.

Ask the dealer that sold you the part if it also calls for a hold down clip.

Some cars have them, some don't.

Just be careful, if you tighten the radiator hose too tight on reassembly you may break the radiator neck collar.
the updated radiators have a steel reinforcement collar but the older ones do not, be careful not to strong arm the clamp.

But first ask to see if that part comes with a hold down clip.

Some parts guys just don't care to look or they just don't know unless you ask.

Pierre Levegh · #6 03-03-2006, 07:35 PM

Mine popped off once. I went and bought a new one...it comes with a new O ring.

However, as a temp repair, I took off the old O ring and then wrapped ptfe tape around the thing and fitted the O ring over the top. That was six months ago.

ksing44 · #7 03-04-2006, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cudaspaz

Sounds funny, but a little trick I learned to keep it in place good
Take off the top radiator hose near the fitting that keeps popping off and look inside the neck where you just took the hose off.
Some cars have a small clip that you have to install to keep it clipped into place. You may need that as well.
You have to take off the top hose to access it inside the hose neck.
Some parts guys just don't care to look or they just don't know unless you ask.

Now that is the kind of thing that could have been affected by the coolant flush and replacing all of the hoses. If my car has that clip, but mine is missing, then it certainly could have come off during the service. I will be sure to ask the parts guys if my motor calls for some kind of a clip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pierre Levegh

Mine popped off once. I went and bought a new one...it comes with a new O ring. However, as a temp repair, I took off the old O ring and then wrapped ptfe tape around the thing and fitted the O ring over the top. That was six months ago.

I am planning to get the new one, but I am curious, what he heck is “ptfe” tape?