smoke - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

1christos1 · #1 06-27-2009, 10:44 AM

Hello everyone,

Well I just experienced something that I don't want to repeat again. While driving on the highway, I noticed my temperature gauge was increasing. It wasn't hot out, plus the car was merrily driving along. I turned on the heat to lower the temperature and shortly thereafter next thing I know I smell smoke. Very shortly after that I see smoke coming through the heater levers. Yikes!!! Anyway, I think I smelt something burning prior to but the moving of the heater levers seemed to trigger it. But I can't say say for sure they are related or not.

Pulled the car over, turned the key off, turned the heater levers off. I've had it towed to my mechanic now. Smoke eventually disappeared. No sign of fire thankfully. Looked under the hood. It was dark, but from what I could tell I couldn't see anything burnt. I'm thinking its inside the firewall.

I'd appreciate any input as to what it likely is. I've recently had some relays replaced so I'm guessing some wiring has moved around. Maybe some suggestions as to what would have caused smoke in that area.

The rising temperature is also a great concern because I hadn't been driving that long. Maybe the smoke was building right where the temperature gauge was. just a guess.

Thanks Everyone in advance

Christopher Nicolaides
72 280sel 4.5

Takernz_30 · #2 06-27-2009, 10:56 PM

do you change the coolant?

meltedpanda · #3 06-28-2009, 08:45 AM

smoke or vapor? head gasket cracked? - just a guess, but sudden temp increase can be due to coolant loss , perhaps just a hose came loose...

1christos1 · #4 06-28-2009, 09:21 AM

I'll know more on Monday, but I would think if it was the head gasket cracked I'd start to lose power. Car was still running fine when I turned it off.

Hmm, vapor. its possible. hopefully it was just a hose.

thanks.

t walgamuth · #5 06-28-2009, 10:52 AM

Its impossible to tell from the facts given, but you definately did the right thing to stop driving it til you know what the problem is.

meltedpanda · #6 06-28-2009, 10:05 PM

unless catostrophic failure , you would not loose power

1christos1 · #7 07-11-2009, 09:37 AM

well, its the heater core everyone. It was not smoke after all. I need a new one. The good news is I may have already tracked down a used one. The bad news is I've been told how very, very difficult it is to pull it out, let alone replace it. I would have to pull it out myself and the part is mine for free.

any suggestions? has anyone here ever pulled/replaced it?

Is it possible to run the car w/o the heater core if its bypassed as a short term fix?. Obviously no heat for me, but wouldn't need it in the summer. I'm thinking that's more presure on my radiator which I may not want to do.

Thanks!

Christopher Nicolaides
72 280sel 4.5

Arthur Dalton · #8 07-11-2009, 11:21 AM

<
Is it possible to run the car w/o the heater core if its bypassed as a short term fix?. >

On that car , that is what turns out to be the long term fix in cars that are only used in the summer b/c the core is a major under-taking.
Just put the inlet/outlet hoses together with a couple of clamps and a piece of copper tubing/pipe.

The 60's/70's chassis production lines started with a single heater core, and then they started adding parts 'til the car was complete....

meltedpanda · #9 07-11-2009, 12:43 PM

Im with Art , it is a major chore, dash removal for one , if you dont need heat, bypass it !

evoldeal · #10 07-11-2009, 02:20 PM

You are lucky you didn't get burning hot coolant sprayed on your feet while you were driving, as has happened to me when a heatercore blew. Not in an MB though..