|
|
|
#1
|
||||
|
||||
Could it be my thermostat?
Two mornings ago I woke up to find a puddle of anti-freeze under my car. I know my expansion tank is leaking slightly but the puddle was underneath the front of the oil pan as if the water pump was leaking via the weep hole. So today I refilled the expansion tank (about 1 gallon) and let the car run in my driveway. After reaching temp I could see no leaks or mist coming from arount the water pump. So I took her for a drive I noticed as I got up to around 60 the temp started to rise above 87 but not too high, somewhere just less than 100. But when I slowed the temp went back down to 87. I then parked the car again no leaks or mist. Could this be attributed to a bad thermostat or is my water pump done for?
__________________
Brandon 2008 S550 1957 Dodge D100 1967 VW Microbus 21 Window 2001 Suburban 2004 Beach cruiser bicycle -----------------GO DUKE!----------------- "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776 |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Look for coolant puddled in a small indentation just under the water pump. Just having replaced mine, I would imagine that is the cause of your loss of coolant. The job cost me nearly $700 with a new serpentine belt for good measure at my neighborhood indy. That and they did not R&R the thermostat and refilled the radiator with green coolant. I am p.o.'d about the coolant. Have ordered and received a new thermostat. Plan to take it to the indy and have them flush and refill with MB coolant at no charge and also swap out the old thermostat for good measure. You might want to be specific about what you want done if you pay somebody. I hear the DIY is a major PITA. Shop time is six hours.
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Hi,
As I have found to my cost on two of these cars, if you can't see where coolant is leaking from, then it is probably the pump. I changed both pumps, one on a M104 E320 and one on a M103 300E, and it took me about 6 hours first time and 4 hours second time. It is a PITA, needs loads of tools and lots of patience. Make sure you get a new thermostat, it makes sense to change it at the same time. Articles on this forum were invaluable in preparing for the job, I couldn't have done it without the folks on the forum. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Cheers, Richard
__________________
1989 W124 300E 1991 R129 500SL |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Hi guys and thanks for the replys,
I understand that a coolant leak in that area is most likely my wP however the mystery is that its not leaking anymore. I woke up with a puddle under my car after a cold night and after refilling her its seems to be fine except for getting a little warm at higher speeds. I know thermostats are well known for doing strange things when they go bad, But I am trying to determine why my car leaked once but won't leak again. Thanks again
__________________
Brandon 2008 S550 1957 Dodge D100 1967 VW Microbus 21 Window 2001 Suburban 2004 Beach cruiser bicycle -----------------GO DUKE!----------------- "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776 |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Hello Brandon:
I'm sure you have checked all of this already, but I thought I would post just in case. I had a case somewhat similar to yours, although I did not have the volume of coolant that you describe. I was losing some coolant, however, and immediately thought that it was the water pump as well. I took it to the dealership, and after the mechanic took one of those reverse mirrors, he fould a culprit hose that was ever so slightly cracked, and was causing this problem. It was WAY under the car, and you really had to strain to actually locate the leak. Maybe if the car were hoisted and a similar inspection done, you might be able to find a hose that might be cracked or not sealed properly. Wouldn't that be great if that's all it was?? WOW! The water pump replacement cost seems to be much higher on the MB's than ordinary cars - is that an accurate statement? I've never had one go bad on my previous cars that I owned, but there must be a good amount of disassembly involved in order to replace it. And of course, mystery things like this ALWAYS happen right before you're ready for a road trip...go figure!! Will say an extra prayer that things will get resolved and Sadie will get you safely to your destination, coolant and all!! Take care- Michael.
__________________
+AMDG+ 2005 W203 Running as fast as I can to stay behind!! |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|