I replaced it with a new hose thinking it was the hose but it still leaking.....should I put gasket sealer then the hose? I'm lost at why it's leaking...air in system?

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles

Is your radiator neck cracked?

A hose should seal itself without any RTV or sealant, did you use a new clamp? Is the clamp tight?

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

I used the old clamp but it's tight... getting tired of this car I show it love and it lets me down

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles

Don't think neck is cracked when I squeeze tube it leaks.

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles

Where is it leaking? At the radiator or at the block? Was the neck clean before you attached the hose? If it's leaking at the radiator neck, pay CLOSE attention to where it's leaking, you can easily have a cracked neck.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

A defeatist attitude towards a 23 year old car isn't going to help your opinion of it or help you fix the problem. I don't care who made it, a 23 year old car is a 23 year old car. Expect to have to provide service. If maintenance is an issue, Honda and Toyota have affordable vehicles - Just sayin...

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

I'll check tonight I had to rent a car...I'll repost back ty... well the neck looks kind of worn down in spots

Attached Thumbnails

 

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles

You can see some pitting or wear on the neck like plastic wore down. I put a new clam super tight but still leaked ....smh new radiator I guess?

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles

Some radiators split in area of the neck by the place the hose fits to .Take a good look at it you might need to repair the neck of the radiator .If its split it could be hard to see it .But if you can find the crack, rough it up with sand paper , and then give it a nice coat of epoxy glue .The radiator needs to be dry to do it right .And dont lock up the hose clip to tight , this to will split the neck of the radiator. I put a little sealer on the neck ,then put the hose on ,next screw up the clamp . .

bru023, it sounds like the upper hose connection is cracked and leaking. That is a common occurrence with older radiators. Be glad that is simply leaking slightly and didn't break off entirely and leave you stranded on the road. Best to buy a new Behr radiator. Use a 50/50 mix of Zerex G-05 and water when you refill the cooling system.

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Fred Hoelzle

I can't see any cracks just looks worn down plastic missing...I posted a pic

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles

Plastic doesn't "wear down" like that, something overtightened on there or the plastic is failing and has deformed. Time for a new radiator. The neck should be smooth and straight.

__________________
Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

What is that white substance at the base of the neck?
Has it been glued already?

If replacing the rad, make sure that it has the aluminum insert to strengthen the neck. Replacement Behr rads have this.

I put quick steel plastic repair because the new elbow . That goes to the return line to the reservoir was leaking. It's supposed to harden like steel and be high temp and resistant to all fluids.... I put more on the radiator neck it's leaking less but not fixed....I'm going to need new radiator this is just temporary fix ....

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles

New radiator and hoses on the way from pelican parts I'll keep you posted

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1994 e320 (Charcoal and grey) 140, 000 miles