I'm having a little problem getting enough coolant into my system (1985 300td). When I fill the coolant reservoir it appears as if it is full (coolant staying in overflow reservoir). I even removed the upper radiator hose and fill the radiator that way until coolant started backing up into overflow reservoir). However, there is no fluid in the lower radiator hose when you squeeze it. I took it to a local mechanic who thinks the water pump is seized or near seizing, wihch may be preventing coolant to flow through lower radiator hose, and water pump and causing the problem. Another interesting thing is that the heater in the car is working great, (and the aux. water pump is not running). Does this sound like it all add up to you all...a bad water pump? Thanks for the help

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'85 300td Frybrid WVO Kit

How do you know there's not fluid in the lower hose? Is the engine running at the proper temperature? What makes you say it doesn't have enough coolant? These engines are notorious for getting air bubbles in the coolant system. Best to fill them thru the upper radiator hose with the car pointed uphill at a steep angle. Then run the engine for a while with heat full blast.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I know that there is no coolant in the lower radiator hose because it was cold (engine was warm) and there didn't feel like there was any liquid in it when I squeezed the hose.

another piece of relevant info. Occasionally a pitch squeel come from waterpump?? when engine is reved slightly. There is also a little smoke and the smell of burning rubber.

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'85 300td Frybrid WVO Kit

Crucial info there. What does the water pump feel like when you turn it over by hand with no belt attached?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Hopefully I'll get a chance to test the pump w/o the belt installed soon..I'll report back

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'85 300td Frybrid WVO Kit

anybody else have any insights...
thanks

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'85 300td Frybrid WVO Kit

um, it looks cold where you are...
if your radiator is working properly, the lower hose WILL be cold. the upper gets hot, not the lower. also, unless there is pressure, it's hard to tell if there is liquid in the lower hose, because there is no air down there to let you hear it. if you have working heat, you have water in the lower hose. otherwise your car would boil over and blow very quickly...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Unless it's bitterly cold and the thermostat does not open, you must have coolant in the lower hose. Coolant flows down through the radiator and, unless the hose is missing, it passes into the lower hose and back to the thermostat housing.

Without coolant in the lower hose, the engine immediately overheats. This signifies a plugged radiator.

The temperature of the coolant in the lower hose is not relevant. It might even feel cool to the touch in cold ambients.