I'm on my way to Moorpark CA on the 118 West when I notice that on the cluster, the coolant light turns on for the OM603. I thought it'd be nice for it if I dropped by the Wal Mart in Simi Valley to get some readily available coolant. It was about $8 and I was getting ready to put it in the reservior...when I suddenly remembered the color that it should be (slightly orange right?)

I popped the cap back on without filling it up and headed straight home...keeping 2 eyes on the Temp. Nothing was out of the ordinary, temperature rose to about 95-97 going uphill and plummeted to sligtly over 80 going downhill into the valley where I live.

The coolant I bought said that it is PREDILUTED and will go into any car, and ANY COLOR COOLANT.

The Question: Can I use this coolant for the long term run ie using it after coolant change or using it for top-offs...OR...Should I just get the cooling system checked/flushed/etc.?

Notes on Pictures:
-I can't see what level the coolant is in because remnants of the old hood pad darkened it...Anyone know how to clean this?
-I replaced the upper radiator hose along with the belt tensioner and pulley. (It broke when I tried to replace the tensioner)

Attached Thumbnails

     

Don't use that universal stuff in the MB for any kind of long term.

Open the cap (engine cold) and check the fluid level. If you need to add more , a gallon or less, use distilled water. Otherwise use 50% Zerex G05 antifreeze and 50% distilled water.

__________________
"I have no convictions ... I blow with the wind, and the prevailing wind happens to be from Vichy"

Current
Monika '74 450 SL
BrownHilda '79 280SL
FoxyCleopatra '99 Chevy Suburban
Scarlett 2014 Jeep Cherokee
Krystal 2004 Volvo S60
Gone
'74 Jeep CJ5
'97 Jeep ZJ Laredo
Rudolf ‘86 300SDL
Bruno '81 300SD
Fritzi '84 BMW
'92 Subaru
'96 Impala SS
'71 Buick GS conv
'67 GTO conv
'63 Corvair conv
'57 Nomad

MB's should only be run with MB Coolant or Zerex G-05 50/50 with distilled water. Nothing else! Especially on a SDL with the aluminum engine, its extra important to take care of the cooling system properly on that car.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

So I can just get this Zerex and top it off?

There's really no cleaning the reservoir when the plastic gets old and yellow. Save your pennies for a new one if it matters to you. You can check the level with the pressure cap off.

Make sure the coolant level is low before filling. It's not uncommon for corrosion in the coolant level sensor electrical connector to cause random flashing of the warning light. Not to mention an old and tired sensor.

How is Simi Valley these days? I lived in neighboring Winnetka when the Northridge quake hit.

Sixto
87 300D

I would just top it off with distilled water

__________________
1981 300SD 512k OM603

If the car is in a colder climate I'd make sure to put the right ratio of coolant into the system.....too much water might not be good when it gets real cold out......

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

It's relatively warm here in the San Fernando Valley...and I'm trying to find that Zerex everywhere, but to no avail.

I should just call up the Encino dealership close to where I live.

For now, I guess I'll just put distilled water.

call the dealership asap... Its either spend some money on the proper coolant or spend a lot of money for a new head

Well if you put it that way, then hell yes! I just topped it off with distilled water last night. I headed down to Santa Monica on the 405 South and nothing happened going up or down. Temps are normal etc.

Anyone know if good DIY exists on coolant change?

search for citric acid flush.