Crap... The '98 broke water... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KarTek · #1 07-14-2008, 11:40 AM

I smelled it before I saw it. Seems to be either coming from the upper radiator hose where it meets the tank or possibly the tank is cracked. I can see coolant oozing down from the hose connection.

Is there a precedent for cracked plastic tanks? If the tank is cracked, I'm assuming there's no way to repair it...

vstech · #2 07-14-2008, 11:42 AM

http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedescoolantexpansiontank.htm

KarTek · #3 07-14-2008, 11:45 AM

Sorry, when I say "tank", I'm talking about the end of the radiator, not the expansion tank...

Jeremy5848 · #4 07-14-2008, 11:54 AM

People have tried JB Weld and epoxy and such but I have not read of any good results. There are supposed to be rebuilders who can work on these radiators but again successful results seem to be lacking. I would want to see someone with a reputation like CVJ-Denver has for rear axles before I sent them my radiator for repair. Received wisdom seems to be that replacement is the only safe option, alas, expensive.

TMAllison · #5 07-14-2008, 12:44 PM

I would err on the side of caution and replace it. Might JB Weld it for a few days if I had to use it while waiting on parts.

KarTek · #6 07-14-2008, 12:51 PM

I'll have to wait until it cools before I can do much investigation. I have to act fast because I'm going on a 1000 mile round trip next week and this car strikes me as one that I would not want to break down on the highway from an expense point of view... What is like a $360 repair could be much more with a tow, dealer cost for parts, labor, etc...

vstech · #7 07-14-2008, 01:17 PM

blast it down with cool water and get the car nice and cool. it's best to use a radiator pump up tool to pressurize the system and look for leaks, but you can hook up a blow gun from an air hose into the line and use your finger to hold the pressure back, and look for bubbles escaping the radiator. be sure and wait for the coolant to cool before doing this... a hot bath of steamy antifreeze is not pleasant@!

Simpler=Better · #8 07-14-2008, 01:23 PM

Assuming you mean the plastic part of the radiator, I did this on my old ranger after blowing a hole in the side:
I took a 1/16" sheet of aluminum; drilled mounting holes, and tapped the holes in the radiator. Roughed all the surfaces up, jb weld and then tightened down the screws, and let sit for 24 hours. It held for another 1,500 miles before I sold the truck.

a98e300 · #9 07-14-2008, 01:59 PM

Evan,

I have a new radiator available - fluid has never flowed through it. The little nipple that goes to the expansion tank cracked and has been JB Welded. I will sell for $100.00 and $15.00 for insured shipping. Can post photos if interested. Your call

John

KarTek · #10 07-14-2008, 02:14 PM

Thanks John, I'll keep that in mind if the rad. is indeed cracked.

KarTek · #11 07-15-2008, 10:27 AM

It looks like I may have lucked out and it's just the hose. I took it off yesterday to check for cracks and I saw none. Also, coolant seemed to be oozing from the seal between the hose and the neck. When I tightened the clamp back down, coolant seemed to have saturated the hose and it spritzed out if the hose every time I turned the screwdriver.

I should probably just get another hose. This one is original, 10 years old with 155,000 miles so I guess I can spring the $20 for a new one...

Missouri240D · #12 07-16-2008, 07:40 PM

congratulations! better make an honest car out of her...

Hatterasguy · #13 07-16-2008, 08:20 PM

Thats strange, MB hoses usualy last damn near forver.

vstech · #14 07-16-2008, 08:20 PM

yeah! my first thought was oh great, where's the "overnight bag" is it a boy or a girl?

KarTek · #15 07-16-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Thats strange, MB hoses usualy last damn near forver.

It's odd, the hose is very soft and seems to be "spongy". Water actually oozed out of the rubber when I was tightening the clamp. After I re-positioned things and tightened the clamp, the leakage seems to be greatly reduced. I'll plan on getting another hose just in case.