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#1
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how to know radiator is bad?
Hey guys, been having problems ever since the beginning of time keeping my 500E cool.
I've tried JimF's cool harness but it still runs 100C+ in cold weather I'm wondering if it is my radiator how do you check, what are signs?
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Own: 2013 C300 4matic 2009 C300 4matic Owned: 2001 E320 Sport 1992 500E 1989 300SEL |
#2
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Man, a radiator is little more than a water reservoir, if you are running hotter than what spec is then you need to do a systematic elimination of possible faults:
coolant level?, Serpt. belt, water pump, themostat? water channels plugged? engine temp sensor, coolant temp sensor, fans working at right temp? aux fan,if equipt? air flow in front of radiator blocked by accesories? A "bad" radiator is one that leaks, small leaks can be fixed Plugged radiators can be flushed. |
#3
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'Man, a radiator is little more than a water reservoir'
I don't agree. This IS the principal thermal exchange device designed to cool the engine, and it contains narrow passages that are easily plugged by precipitating sludge or rust particles. If the cooling system has been meticulously maintained since day one, you should never have a problem until it leaks. Normal maintenance is less ideal, and having a radiator rodded out is a very common procedure to rectify this problem. A somewhat plugged radiator usually can function adequately in normal driving, but can't handle more severe conditions. If the cooling system temperature shoots up to 100C, but tends not to 'overheat', then the radiator is probably not at fault. Look to the systems that regulate the temperature, or for a faulty indicator circuit. Steve |
#4
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Quote:
I'm going to have the dealership look at it.
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Own: 2013 C300 4matic 2009 C300 4matic Owned: 2001 E320 Sport 1992 500E 1989 300SEL |
#5
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IMHO, 100 degrees is not hot for a 500E, or even a 300E or E320.
It is in the normal operating temperature of the engine. At 100 degrees, the thermostat is not even in the fully open position, yet. We owners of W124's freak out a lot about operating temperature because the temp gauge moves a lot. Does everybody realize that in response to owners like us, Mercedes designed a buffer in the temp gauge of W210's so that the gauge stays at 95 degrees when the temp goes between 95 and 115 derees celsius? After 115, the gauge starts to record actual temperature.
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Paul S. 2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior. 79,200 miles. 1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron". |
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