Radiator ?

[John1]

1985 500 SEL

I am restoring this vehicle.

I have a new Behr radiator on the shelf. Is this better than the original, having it cleaned etc since it is all metal ?? Also am rebuilding 722.3 trans complete.

Thanks
John

[Ivanerrol]

Depending on the market, Behr was the original.

[mbdoc]

The original was most likely Behr OR an "IMI".

[John1]

[QUOTE=M.B.DOC;2564495]The original was most likely Behr OR an "IMI".[/QUOT


But which is better, the New Behr (plastic top) or have the old metal one serviced at radiator shop??

Thanks
for your help
John

[david s poole]

i don't believe that the original was metal.it was plastic and aluminum.the early yrs of the 126 had issues with neck braking on top tank so were sometimes replaced with metal,but the behr will transfer heat faster and is lighter.

[Ferdman]

The hose connections on the new Behr radiators are reinforced with metal to prevent them from cracking. It's important to use MB coolant (or Zerex G-05) and maintain the coolant ph at 7 to prevent embrittlement of the plastic components in the cooling system.

[Ivanerrol]

Ferdman has the right answer here. Check the neck of the top radiator hose fixing and make sure the metal collar is in there.

[cypress]

That 1" metal collar does NOT help much.

My original Behr lasted 10yrs (broke at the upper neck). Replaced with a Behr (with reinforced neck with the metal collar), this one lasted 12yrs...again broke at the neck. Both Behr radiators still look brand new, except for the broken neck.

So this time I replaced with a Nissen, hope the plastic material they used can withstand the heat & the stress (from the vibration of the engine put on it via the hose) better.

[Ferdman]

cypress, the radiator hose connections get brittle with age, especially if the coolant ph isn't maintained around 7. There shouldn't be much stress on the hose connections if the engine mounts are in good shape, and replaced as needed. Our 1992 300CE still has the original radiator.