Radiator replacement?
 

How difficult is it to replace the radiator in a 300TD? I've never done that before, but may need to do it.

Would you attempt to use a salvaged one or just buy a new one?

Buy a new one.

They are not too bad to remove.

I remove the fan and shroud. Disconnect all the hoses and tranny lines. Plug the tranny lines to avoid losing too muh tranny fluid. Remove the radiator hold downs, and it lifts right out.

I've used a radiator once from a junkyard only because I could tell it was not the original (nissens not Behr) and it looked to be in excellent shape, almost new. Only cost me $40 and it's been working great for 4 years on my dad's car. If I could not find one like that I would not mess with anything from the junkyard. Brand new they are much more expensive, but well worth it as they wil last. Very easy to replace as well. With the coolant drained you could easily have the old one out and the new one in and connected in 15 minutes. Just pay attention to how the oil cooler fits onto the radiator....

Forgot about the oil cooler, sorry. Those clips can be a PITA to get back on.

If you plan to keep the car for a long time get a new one. If not, a good used one is always around. You just have to have enough time to scour the sources...

You can definitely do it. I've changed mine twice on my 300D (once b/c the old one was shot, once b/c the new replacement had a leak in it...the manufacturer replaced for free).

It's straightforward - I don't even remove the fan shroud. Just be sure you keep track of the clips and rubber thingys under the clips.

Also remember unbolt the oil cooler...two bolts, one top and one bottom, on the drivers side.

So the only things to disconnect from it are the upper and lower hoses and the tranny lines? That sounds doable.

If you get one from a junkyard, look for one that has a metal reinforcement inside the top outlet. The plastic pipe has been known to crack or even break off; the metal reinforcement was added in a later version of the design and all new replacements should have it.

Yes. But be careful when loosening the oil/tranny cooler lines. You can easily strip them. I've removed radiators from junkyards and installed on my cars. That is how I learn the basics... You do not need to remove the fan. Just the shroud. Securing the oil cooler bractet is a PITA unless you are anal .

Just in case anyone's confused, you don't need to touch the oil cooler lines. Just unbolt the oil cooler from the radiator.

search
 

do an archive search for details.

I posted some detail when I replaced mine.:)

Not hard at all.And if you do replace it go with a new one.....

Here have a look>>>>>

http://benzguy.piczo.com/engineradiatorreplacement123,126?cr=7&linkvar=000044

Cheers
Big Dan
Vancouver Canada

Big Dan, thanks for the pics. I have a '79 450SL and I think all the principles are the same, with some minor differences (2 rad clips instead of 4, fan shroud screwed on), and I'm not sure about the bolts for the oil cooler...but I'll go have a look at that.

But going back a few steps, can anyone give me an idea as to how to confirm the radiator is in fact shot? I came into my garage to a giant pool of coolant on the ground, and an inspection of the lower hoses did not reveal any gaping cracks in them. Coolant seems to be accumulating on the bottom rame of the radiator, but I can see clearly if its coming out of the fins.

What's the best way to spot the leak location? I'm thinking refill it, cap it, and start it up, to see if I get coolant spraying out....any other ideas?

I'm really a novice at this, but the discussion and photos are boosting my confidence in being able to do this.

Thanks much.

Stu

Important -I meant to say "I CAN'T see if it's coming out of the fins".

Sorry....