Light Brown sludge in cooling system

[Doug McCutchan]

In my 1987 230TE (M102) cooloing system - I get a sludge type sediment in the overflow tank. It feels king of oily but is light brown and has the consisteney of cream.

Could this be a head gasket problem ?

The oil shows no sign of any cloudiness but does the motor does idle a bit rough.


thanks

Doug McCutchan

[jeffsr]

Sounds like you're getting some oil in the cooling system. Unless you've put some additives or flush in there recently, the coolant should not be brownish. Possibly the head gasket is developing a small track between the two systems and it may be on it's way to failing. Try flushing the cooling system and a clean refill and watch it day to day, or if you're paranoid about trusting that the situation will not get worse, get it looked at ASAP.

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 03-12-2000).]

I second that opinion!

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Deezel
87 300TDT
150,000 miles

[Benzmac]

Third.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

[Doug McCutchan]

With 3 opinions I feel like I must obey !

Will flush out this weekend.

thanks (all 3 of you).