G'mornin' Folks,

Welcome Andy, As a Ford Tech, you should have the necessary know how and tools to test your Thermostat, if that's working and going to full open, then perhaps your water pump is getting a tad old.....

As far as the coolant goes, I have read a lot of stuff around here and elsewhere......from what I have learned the MB Coolant is some special blend specifically designed for the alloys used in MB engines and cooling systems, and it has been stated enough that I have become a believer....and will purchase the MB product when I do a coolant change (I put it off, tested the existing coolant and found it to go below -40, will change it if I have to drain it for another problem, or in Springtime).

Something that I learned from my days as a ship's engineer.....when my company purchased several used container ships from a German company....we found that the Germans used some pretty interesting alloys in their various piping systems.....from a USA point of view......it was eventually learned the "hard way" that it was best to stick with German recommendations on Cooling Water Treatments......and to purchase welding electrodes and brazing stuff in Germany.....

SB

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Diesels:
'85 300D, "Max, Blue Benz", 155K, 27.0 MPG
'84 190D 2.2, "Eva, Brown Benz", 142K, 40.2 MPG
'77 240D (parts car)
'67 Eicher ES 202 Tractor "Otto" (2cyl, Air Cooled, 30HP)
Gassers:
'94 Ford F-150, "Henry", 170K (300 Six) 17.5 MPG
'85 190E 2.3, 148K....Parts Car
'58 Dodge W300M Powerwagon (Flat Fenders) Less than 10 MPG