Radiator leak
 

Hi,

My 1995 C220 developed a small leak from the Radiator. I have taken a pic from top elevation.

Can any 1 advice me where the leak from?


Kind Regards

Due to construction of most newer radiators repair can be futile! You would be better off getting a new radiator & flushing the cooling system....that should be done every 2-3 years (flushing the cooling system).

If you are not 100% sure that the radiator itself is leaking I would pressure test it with the engine cold.

Thanks

What does the pressure tester look like?
I hope its a hose rather than the Radiator.
I like to unbolt the radiator to view other side of Radiator, to see if it leak from there?

It certainly could be the hose. First make sure that the clamp in the picture is tight, but don't overtighten it.

However, if that radiator is original and the system hasn't been flushed enough, you're probably due for one.

If you are lucky, than it could be from the radiator drain valve. Its located at the bottom of the radiator in the area of the leak. Maybe its just not closed properly. You can see it when looking under the car.

Phil

Thanks all.

I had wipe dry the wet areas, hoping to observe the leak reoccur.
The leak seem to come from that corner on the bottom. Touching the 2 hoses nearby, its completely dry.

Phil where is the Radiator drain valve? Is it facing down & can I use finger to tighten or a spanner? It seem to originate from that exact location. Do you have a schematics of the Radiator?

Kind Regards

The radiator drain valve is at the bottom of the radiator, literally right where your leak is. You should be able to see it if you remove the Belly cover under the engine and look up at the bottom of the radiator. At least that's where it is on my car. a '95 E300D. Should be the same on yours.

Sure hope that's your problem.

Good luck

Looks like this:

Thanks

I have taken a pic on the other side/corner of the Radiator. Is this the drain valve? Is it mean to be pulled out, like in the pic or turn for the fluid to drain from the tube opening above it. Looks like this valve is not on the same side as the leak area.

I believe you should be able to easily view the radiator drain from under the front of your car by opening the towing eyelet cover.

From your picture, there is green corrosion above the drain indicating the source of the leak. Do your self a favor and when you do drain the coolant, replace it with one that is safe/compatible with your radiator (Mercedes coolant or Zerex G-05 antifreeze/coolant type).

Follow the advice above and get your system pressure tested. If you do need a radiator, replace it. They are competitively priced from this site's parts department.

Haasman

I will check the towing eyelet cover.

The green corrosion above the drain, is that surrounding the Red Drain cap? But the leak occur from other side of the Radiator, could it from along the base into the other oposite corner perhaps.

I will replace coolant with Merc Coolant once I detect where exact location of leak.

If its the Radiator then I'll replace it.

Thanks Haasman

The one I have is a Stant, see photo below.

Thanks

I have now open the plastic base & check the leak from beneath. These are the pic I have taken & the leak is now detected on the Radiator itself. Its not from the Drain Valve (opposite end).

The picture show a green drop of water slowly developing. I have taken a side & botton view of this precise leak. It leak is close to the big hose but not from the hose itself.

Kind Regards

There seem to be wet near the pulleys, near the water pump. Is this a water pump leak or its a normal discharge by the water pump due to cooling system prob (like a leaking Radiator/loss of pressure?)

Can I top up my coolant & drive to my mechanic?