Quote:
Originally Posted by Ferdman
ThePhoenix, recommend replacing the thermostat. Be sure to orient it properly ... with the vent hole at the high point.
Check the tension on the fan belt because if it is too tight the fan bearing bracket will wear out prematurely. I had that happen on our 1991 300CE when a tech over-tightened the belt. The newer style tensioners eliminate that possibility.
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UPDATE - PROBLEM(S) FOUND:
I ended up finding a good used Nissen radiator and dropped that in, but she was still overheating. It turns out the thermostat was the problem. As a test I removed it and she now runs a little less than 80°C (unless I get stuck in heavy traffic, in which case the electric fans keep her at about 85°C). So a new t-stat and a functioning fan clutch should have things back to normal.
Lesson learned: A perfectly functioning t-stat can go bad if stressed by other factors (in my case, apparently by the fan bearing going bad, causing belt slippage and then moderate overheating).
Thanks for all the input, I'm glad to have her back on the road!