What would you do about this radiator? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

meltedpanda · #1 09-25-2007, 04:11 PM

I have several small leaks in my radiator. The car is a 1972 450SL. A very good radiator shop told me that my leaks are due to a deteriorating core. When I looked inside it it was gunked up pretty bad. Anway they said they could recore it and use the tanks? Whatever that means, wants to charge around $300 but it would be about as good as new. DOes this sound OK, $300 is a lot of change but new radiators are in the $700 range. I guess I could live with leaks but got it all apart and want to put it back right, what would you do??
Thanks

lee polowczuk · #2 09-25-2007, 06:19 PM

i would get a new one.

you could probably do better than 700... and install would be a diy snap.

Larry Delor · #3 09-25-2007, 06:37 PM

The tanks are the manifold like items at the top and bottom (or sides) of the radiator.
If the tanks are in good shape, and a new radiator is prohibitively expensive, a good shop and to a good job re-coring an old one.

If you run your fingers across the little fins, do they crumble?

LUVMBDiesels · #4 09-25-2007, 07:23 PM

Check on radiator.com

I got a quote for 299.00 for a new radiator for your car

Pete Geither · #5 09-25-2007, 08:33 PM

$300 bucks for the recore and installation ? You better jump on that deal real quick.

meltedpanda · #6 09-25-2007, 08:51 PM

no I am going to do the install, that is just for recoring. I will check on the fins crumbling, they do look pretty clogged .
Dunno I been to that Radiator.com place and was a little concerned, no pictures, no details.
When I went to the MB parts places (like here) they go for 6-8 hundred
So recoring as long as the tanks are good is an acceptable thing???
What questions do I ask?

cdplayer · #7 09-26-2007, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

I have several small leaks in my radiator. The car is a 1972 450SL. A very good radiator shop told me that my leaks are due to a deteriorating core. When I looked inside it it was gunked up pretty bad. Anway they said they could recore it and use the tanks? Whatever that means, wants to charge around $300 but it would be about as good as new. DOes this sound OK, $300 is a lot of change but new radiators are in the $700 range. I guess I could live with leaks but got it all apart and want to put it back right, what would you do??
Thanks

For the same price as recore, you can put in a new Behr with the reinforced neck. Check out ***************. Click on online catalog. Enter your vehicle information to find parts just for you. I did the job myself. For a few bucks more get a new radiator cap too.

$291.19 delivered to my door free shipping, no core charge.
New radiator in for a year now. No problems...good luck.

LUVMBDiesels · #8 09-26-2007, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

... I been to that Radiator.com place and was a little concerned, no pictures, no details.
When I went to the MB parts places (like here) they go for 6-8 hundred
So recoring as long as the tanks are good is an acceptable thing???
What questions do I ask?

I bought my radiator for the 300SD there. It was a Nissen with the reinforced neck. I paid 200 for it and got it the next day. If you call them, they will answer any questions you have.

david s poole · #9 09-26-2007, 10:04 AM

we are talking about an all metal radiator from the early sl model run go with the recore,it will work fine and be reliable.

meltedpanda · #10 09-26-2007, 10:11 AM

yes we are, the tanks on mine are solid and heavy, I am afraid after markets will not meet my expectations, most, as I understand , are either plastic or lower grade steel.
I am leaning to the recore

meltedpanda · #11 09-26-2007, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdplayer

For the same price as recore, you can put in a new Behr with the reinforced neck. Check out ***************. Click on online catalog. Enter your vehicle information to find parts just for you. I did the job myself. For a few bucks more get a new radiator cap too.

$291.19 delivered to my door free shipping, no core charge.
New radiator in for a year now. No problems...good luck.

for the 84 , yes , but For some reason, I think it is the size perhaps, 72 450SL radiators on any of the MB sites list from $645-$785

meltedpanda · #12 09-26-2007, 10:58 AM

OK I did contact radiator.com - they cannot get it , and said if they can't not many will - suggested I talk to dealer.
Sooo recore here I go

dlssmith · #13 09-26-2007, 05:23 PM

I've had good experiences with recoring radiators, when done by a worthy shop. Should serve you well.

meltedpanda · #14 09-26-2007, 07:24 PM

sent out for recore this morning. I will let you know of the results

#15 09-26-2007, 07:50 PM

I had the radiator recored in my 450SL, and it started to leak after two years, the radiator shop explained that the tanks themselves get metal fatigue(sp?) and the only cure is a new radiator.

I find that hard to believe, and question the ability of the rad. shop to solder properly.

I don't know what the outcome was, I put a bottle of Bar'sleak in the car and traded it in.