Cooling System Flush 300TE 4M?

[Hazen]

I'm planning to flush the cooling system of my 91 300TE 4M this weekend. As I am unsure of the length of duty the coolant has served I plan to use MB's lemon acid flush concentrate. The tech at MB said to pre-mix the entire bottle of granules (12oz.?) into a gallon of water and mix 1/2 the solution in the system (total cap. 9.5L) and run for 5 mins. at operating temp. Flush out with clean water and then mix the remaining half with water and repeat. After the last chemical flush run clear water through until no particulates appear.
Sound right? Should I put in the new thermostat first or should I complete flush sequence first? The old stat has failed "open".
Thanks in advance for your help.
Best

I'm sure the chemical flush from MB is the best.
My '87 300E has never had a chemical flush.
I do change the coolant every year.
When new, I installed a Prestone reverse flushing "T" fitting in the heater hose.
After draining the coolant into a catch basin, you attach a garden hose to the "T" fitting.
You turn on the tap water ever so slightly and that reverse flushes the cooling system.
The flush water exits the top radiator or expansion tank filler, where the pressure cap is.
There are those who swear by MB coolant, I've always used Zerex.
I'm still on the original radiator and in 177,900 miles the second water pump.
The key is, coolant is cheap, parts ain't.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from change it in the spring Houston.
Donald, El Cheapo

[JoeMB]

Hazen,

Where did you purchase MB lemon acid flush concentrate? Can I get this on-line?

Joe

[Hazen]

JoeMB,
Alas, it was acquired at my local MB dealer for the princely sum of US$20 for a bottle of crystals about the size of a large family sized Advil bottle. Approx. 12 oz.
Best,

[SShort]

Is this lemon acid the same as citric acid? Hopefully it will say on the bottle. If so there are cheaper places to obtain ie chemical supply or possibly the grocery store (to coffee pots).
my $0.02
Steve

[longston]

HEY! We all like to save money, but let's not try to second guess Mercedes when it comes to proprietary chemicals...

Trust me, nothing is going to work the same, or as well. But if you want to save money on it, you can buy the 500 gram bottle of Lemon Citrus Cooling System Flush, Mercedes part # 000-989-10-25 for $11.90 from The Benz Bin, http://www.thebenzbin.com, 1-888-628-3247.

[SShort]

Sorry!
I'm a chemist, and was simply trying to see if what I think is in the MB secret brew is what I think it is. As I have access to said chemicals off the shelf, so thought I'd pose this as an alternative.
Steve

[dakota]

I suspect that the MB product is the typical citric acid crystal product commonly used in industry as a mild acid flush or stablized chlorine dioxide activator. Maybe Hazen can tell us if there is a chemical analysis panel on the bottle?

Hey scott, quit trying to push lemons, we know how you California citizens are.
I would imagine it is citric acid.
What would happen if we bought a bag of California Oranges, would that work if the juice were sqweezed into the radiator?
All kidding aside, My '87 has never had a cleaner used in the cooling system, just Premium Coolant changed every spring and tap water reverse flush.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston!!!
Donald, El Cheapo

[longston]

Hey, far be it from me to suggest that anyone follow the manufacturer's suggestions for how to maintain their automobile.

But really, no embarasment required Steve, we're always glad to have a new scientist in our mad laboratory. And as such, I personally would like to have your comments on these previous threads that discussed antifreeze mixing with distilled water.

Using Distilled water in Coolant

Coolant RED vs. GREEN

That should keep you entertained for awhile...

Don, this ain't citrus country up here, it's wine grape country! Besides, the miracle of oranges is just now beginning to be exploited in cleaning supplies. Use whatever citrus you please in your radiator. Just don't mix that Mercedes flush with vodka!

Happy Hour Plop Plop Plop Three Olives Martini Time from the wine country...

[Hazen]

Guys,
What I bought (and paid too much for) is MB part # 000 989 10 25 All it says on the bottle is Lemon Acid Irritating to eyes, avoid contact with skin, Keep out of reach of children 0,5 kg. 1.1 lb. No chemical description no percentages of nuthin'
Only one thing to do. Taste it. Let's see, gotta taste enough to cut through this homemade smoked German sausage, and the cheap No. Cali. cab/merlot. Tablespoon oughta do it. Tastes like chicken - lemon chicken - strange after taste sort of like ack kckkkc ack kchchk ...................ckckckfkvccccccccccck..................

[Hazen]

Steve! Good to see you on the list - say hi to Peggy for me!

[longston]

Hazen,

Now that's what I call following a cue! That was genuinely funny!

Hey, I,used to live in Seattle, and I understand how difficult it can be to get quality provisions up there in the wilderness. Let me know if I can help! I truly felt your pain in that comment about "cheap No. Cali.cab/merlot." And I know you're all too aware that the Washington State Liquor Control Board is still not savvy enough to know which wineries down here are producing the world reknown quality Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino wines that this region is so famous for!...

But hey, I understand that Puyallup is producing an awesome daffodil wine for the festival this season...

And, uh, Redhook rules!

[dakota]

Hazen, a little baking soda should smooth that lemon thingie out in no time. And Peggy sends greetings back to you. Sounds to me like you are getting that TE whooped into shape. Electro-gremlins gone, I trust?

And Donald, enough of those tap water reverse flushes, and you'll be regular in NO time! ;-)

Scott, any man who enjoys a good martini, and can spell Puyallup, is OK in my book. :-)

[Hazen]

dakota,
I agree with your kudos regarding a certain No. Californian who can spell Puyallup and also drinks martinis.
As long as he remembers the golden rule of Martini drinking passed on to me by my sainted father, "Martinis are like a woman's breast, one ain't enough and three are too many!"
Sure, he can SPELL Puyallup, but can he PRONOUNCE it?
(enjoying the tumultuous after effects of a lemon acid cooler with a chaser of bicarbonate of soda :-0
Yours truly,