Radiator split on the '98... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

KarTek · #1 06-15-2009, 09:17 AM

I'd been getting a very slow leakage in the cooling system somewhere and last week it finally gave up and started spraying like a geyser.

Yes Virginia, that's a crack...

My test rig:

Parts everywhere!

Awfully empty in there:

So, I'll order a new one. So far it hasn't been too difficult to work on except for the fact that EVERYTHING is bolted to the radiator, even the intercooler...

Matt L · #2 06-15-2009, 12:47 PM

I like your test setup.

I have used a bicycle inner tube, cut at one spot and clamped to both the inlet and outlet. You can easily get over 10PSI in the tube without a tire that way. I've then submerged the assembly in a bathtub. But the last time I did such a thing was with a copper radiator and I fixed the leak myself.

The location of your crack seems to line up perfectly with the hood release cable going to the right side latch. It's somewhat pressed against the radiator at that spot. Do you suppose that this is not a coincidence?

KarTek · #3 06-15-2009, 02:13 PM

Thing is though, that the crack is on the side, out in the open where nothing touches the radiator...

Nice idea about the bicycle inner-tube. I never thought about that. I put a 20 PSI gauge in one of the plugs so I could make sure I didn't over pressurize the radiator.

Matt L · #4 06-15-2009, 02:17 PM

So it is. I don't know why I rotated that thing 90 degrees in my head, but I did.

The inner tube works very well, and won't allow you to get more than about 15 psi.