I have an '83 240D, which is healthy in most regards. Not too much blow-by, valves adjusted, all that. Anyway.

It has recently developed the problem where at highway speed, 70 mph, I can literally see the temperature needle climb and climb and climb. This is a serious problem as I have a long trip to take tomorrow with bikes on the top of my car which only increase the temperature, because they make the engine work harder to maintain speed.

I have a new thermostat to put in. I was wondering if it is feasible to just run with no thermostat? It's 80F in Florida right now, "not getting up to temperature" isn't a problem at all. Or some way I can force the thermostat into "all-through-radiator" mode, all the time?

Ultimately I likely need a coolant exchange and radiator cleaning. I'm afraid to do a citrus flush because most examples I've read of that on here, end with a water-pump replacement, so I want to do a radiator-only cleaning but don't know where to take it for that. Thats another thread, though.

Post ideas I can do by myself in an afternoon to get my car temperature down.

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1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
Automatic, A/C, Power Sunroof, Power Right Side Mirror
231K Miles FOR SALE MAKE OFFER