Quote:
Originally Posted by OM618
My 83' 300SD has only one of two belts for the alternator-coolant section, and it recently threw it off. It's still there, just hanging around. I've been driving the car very carefully lately until I could replace the belts. I had no idea how stupid this was!
The frustrating thing is, as soon as I noticed that the car was beginning to get hot while driving (100 C), I called my MB dealership and asked them what the highest temp I could drive at safely, and told him my engine was running at 100 C. He said normal op temp for these engines is 90C and due to the immense Texas heat, 100C might be possible, but alright to drive at. He said if it starts to go above 100C then I should be concerned.
Well I've been concerned. I've driven it approx. 30 or so miles with it regularly at 100C and towards the end of my drive to and from work it might hit 110C for 3-5 minutes until I pull into the driveway.
I'm replacing the belts today, however, I'm fearful now that I may have damaged the engine.
What's you guys' assessment. Is it a pretty good chance I've screwed this engine by tooling around at a regular 100C with peaks at 110C?
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Did you explain to the dealer that coolant was not being circulated through the engine? If you did, and the dealer did not object to your continuing to drive the car, you need to find another dealer.
These engines are robust so it's likely you are ok, but you shouldn't drive a car without a functioning water pump unless it's air cooled.