1972 280SEL 4.5 runs hot

[bill4247]

I had a leaking water pump replaced. The engine then overheated until it was properly "burped" and the thermostat was replaced. Now the car is not overheating but runs about 15 degrees F hotter then it used to. Under "normal" conditions it runs slightly below the mark directly opposite the word temp on the temperature gauge. My mechanic says it runs at 195 F. It used to run at about 180F slightly above the 175F mark on the temp gauge. Why does it do this? And is it "OK"?

[ctaylor738]

OK- I'll ask the obvious. Is it a 195 degree t-stat?

Chuck

[bill4247]

Thanks for your response. I believe it is a 195 degree F t-stat which my mechanic got from the mercedes dealership. Should I get a 175F t-stat? That's what the car must have had originally. If so why did the dealer give him a 195?

Bill

[ctaylor738]

Sometimes the replacement parts are different from the original. In your case, I can guess that it may have to do with improving emissions or fuel economy, or maybe operation of the heater.

I personally would not feel comfortable with the higher operating temperature especially in the summer. At the very least, I would watch the temp guage very carefully to make sure that it can handle a long idle on a hot day without overheating.

I noticed in the Fastlane online catalog that they only offer a 75 degree Celsius (177 Farenheit) thermostat for your car.

Chuck