Puddles of fluid )-:
 

Hello All-

For the past week when I've gone into the garage I've found puddles of almost clear lubricant under my 1989 560SEL. After searching and searching I found the leak. Its a cracked rubber hose that's attached atop the window washer fluid reservoir that leads into the heating coils inside the tank. Since this has been leaking for over week I'd like to replenish the lost fluid. My question is "what" is the lost fluid? Where is it refilled? It's almost clear and has the consistency of power steer fluid.

Thanks!!!!

Coolant.

Mercedes circulated coolant through the washer bottle to heat up the windshield washer fluid.

Check your coolant expansion bottle and top it off.

What he said plus. If you don't drive the car in the winter, block the hoses off.

On my 97 SL 320, I bypassed the washer heater and the "windshield wiper heated park position at the base of the windshield " since the car will never see winter conditions. Doing this also got rid of the expensive multi end hoses. Even if the car was driven in the winter, it would be like most every other car out there.

Also ( if you car has it ) unplug the electrically heated washer fluid hose and nozzles.

Lastly, take a hard look at the electric assist heater water pump, some have reported that when the pump locks up it takes out the heater control box and sometimes the entire car. ( as in fire deep in the dash ) Search this list for specific models

SL is right, If you elect to keep the heater working(I do, and it has not been bypassed in any of my cars), then keep it upto date. Change all the hoses(on my S class. I had about 14 hoses, and I changed them all!!). Remember use distilled water only!! While your your replacing your coolant. Change the "radiator cap" and change the thermostat, so you car gets better fuel mileage..

Best of luck,

Martin