Hello, I have a w115 300D and the car runs hot when doing things like going uphill on the highway. I figure the radiator is partially plugged, What is the best way to fix this problem? A new Radiator for this car is crazy expensive.

Background info: It is a california car and the exterior of the radiator seems good. The engine is solid (good compression, no leaks) and I put a M/T in the car (the transmission cooler portion of the radiator is now unused). I even tried running it with a new thermostat with an air bleed hole drilled in it to make sure it wasn't vapor lock. I don't think it is the water pump, aux fan, thermostat or clutch fan - so figure it must be the radiator. I tried wiring the aux fan to stay on all the time, but that didn't seem to help.

Will a chemical clean of the radiator solve this problem? Is it possible to have a rod-out done (physical clean) or a re-core on one of these radiators? Your suggestions are appreciated.

Talk to a radiator shop.

Cheapest way is a good soak if there are no weak spots or leaks.

Recore will be much less than a new rad.

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

I've got a good 114/115 radiator--e-mail me for photos if you find you need a replacement


Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net