Settle down, will you?
The aluminum is just one aspect of the problem. The plastic in the upper tank of the radiator is something that is legendary for failure, and newer replacements have even included a "metal sleeve" to prolong their service. The deterioration of the plastic parts in the cooling system are also a point of contention made in previous posts on the subject of coolant.
If we all reference the posts and the links I suggest in the last posting I made to this thread, we will all be on the same page, 'K?
Now, CJ: You probably don't have to FLUSH the system with distilled water, I only suggest using it when mixing the "coolant cocktail" of 50/50 water and coolant for what is going to stay in the system. And what about that heater core? Do you think it's clogged, diverted, or even getting any coolant?
Personally, I had, and still have, Der Green Stuff in my car from when I bought it at the end of October. I stopped by my local MB dealership shortly after the purchase, and asked a service tech to have a quick look at the car. The very first thing he pointed out to me was that I had the "wrong" coolant, and that mine should be "amber" coloured in order to be the correct stuff. he alleges that he has seen the damage done by the green stuff, and he mentioned bad, scary things like severe pitting, erosion, and cavitation.
On the other hand, one of my local independent MB garages says that there is no difference, and that all EG green coolant is phosphorous free, and perfectly ok to use. They seem to views the difference between the two as a matter of "color preference".
I am getting ready to replace/rebuild my radiator real soon, as my upper radiator hose outlet from the upper tank is broken. When I replace the system, I will decide on what coolant to add based mainly on the condition of the radiator when it is removed, plus the suggestion of the radiator shop, times the opinions listed on this forum, squared. Allowing for the appropriate drag co-efficient... :p
[Edited by longston on 01-14-2001 at 01:03 AM]