Need a link to the procedure, plz... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MercFan · #1 10-19-2009, 01:00 AM

I've been searching for a while with no luck - tonight my long awaited SFM arrived but I was a little disappointed that the procedure for draining the coolant was a bit scarce... they didn't mention flushing the old coolant with water - which is what I was planning to do...

Could someone please point me to a procedure that lists the steps in a simple sequential format on how to drain the old coolant, flush out with water and replenish with the proper coolant?! How long should it take to do it (if you have all the parts/fluids/containers)?

Thanks,
James

sasquatchgeoff · #2 10-19-2009, 01:17 AM

Do this - I wouldn't do the citrus flush unless you really, really wanted to. I used this guide when I flushed mine and it worked out pretty well - the Shout gel is hard to come by so I used liquid - only about half the amount he calls out. Also, it takes a lot of flushing to get the shout completely out - I just stuck the hose in the coolant reservoir, adjusted the hose bibb to flow just enough to keep the level steady while I let the engine idle and draining from the block drain valve down by the starter.

MercFan · #3 10-19-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sasquatchgeoff

I used this guide when I flushed mine and it worked out pretty well...

Ok great - good link, thanks. The only thing that wasn't clear is how to re-fill without that fancy vaccum-assisted instrument he had... I mean, when I'm done flushing it with water, can most of the water be drained out of the system before re-filling with the good coolant? If not, wont I be diluting good coolant mix with plain water that's still all over the water-jacket and the block?!

sasquatchgeoff · #4 10-19-2009, 10:10 AM

If you drain all the coolant out of the block drain (adjacent to the starter) with the front of the car tilted slightly up, you will be getting at least 95% of the coolant out. Flush and refill with a mix of Zerex G-05 and distilled water according to the FSM and ambient temps for your geography straight into the radiator.

tangofox007 · #5 10-19-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercFan

The only thing that wasn't clear is how to re-fill without that fancy vaccum-assisted instrument he had... I mean, when I'm done flushing it with water, can most of the water be drained out of the system before re-filling with the good coolant? If not, wont I be diluting good coolant mix with plain water that's still all over the water-jacket and the block?!

There will always be some unknown quantity of water left in the system. For that reason, I add the desired quantity of antifreeze first (based on % of system capicity), then complete the process by adding distilled water.

If you add a 50/50 mix to start with, your final solution will always be less than 50% antifreeze. That is even more the case if you don't remove the block drain plug. (Removing the plug is well worth the effort required.)

Brian Carlton · #6 10-19-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

If you add a 50/50 mix to start with, your final solution will always be less than 50% antifreeze. That is even more the case if you don't remove the block drain plug. (Removing the plug is well worth the effort required.)

I did the SD recently. There's about 3 quarts sitting between the height of the water pump and the height of the block drain.

So, flushing without removing the drain is a bit too much of a shortcut.

If the drain is removed, the amount of coolant added is very close to the stated capacity of 11 quarts.

MercFan · #7 10-19-2009, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

If the drain is removed, the amount of coolant added is very close to the stated capacity of 11 quarts.

Sounds good - that's what I was wondering.... And, yes, of course I plan on removing the drain plug to get all the green stuff out and flush it all out with clean water first before refilling - thanks.

How do you dispose of the used coolant. I know it's toxic - will any of the auto parts stores take it for recycling?!

tangofox007 · #8 10-19-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

If the drain is removed, the amount of coolant added is very close to the stated capacity of 11 quarts.

The "stated capacity" of the subject vehicle (assuming that it is the '85 300D) is 12.5 liters or 13.2 quarts, including the heating system.

Brian Carlton · #9 10-19-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

The "stated capacity" of the subject vehicle (assuming that it is the '85 300D) is 12.5 liters or 13.2 quarts, including the heating system.

The stated capacity of a 617.951 is 11 liters.............but thanks for quibbling over the difference.

toomany MBZ · #10 10-19-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

The stated capacity of a 617.951 is 11 liters.............but thanks for quibbling over the difference.

Alright you two, neutral corners!

tangofox007 · #11 10-19-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

The stated capacity of a 617.951 is 11 liters.............but thanks for quibbling over the difference.

I would submit that addressing a 17% error falls well outside the realm of "quibbling." Especially considering that the acceptable range of antifreeze/water mix is relatively narrow.

mikemass1221 · #12 10-19-2009, 02:46 PM

I would love to see this procedure for the 606 engine. I can't even locate the block drain. If anyone has a pictorial for the 606 similar to the one diesel giant has for the older engine, please post it here.

Brian Carlton · #13 10-19-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

I would submit that addressing a 17% error falls well outside the realm of "quibbling." Especially considering that the acceptable range of antifreeze/water mix is relatively narrow.

You would be quibbling about the difference between quarts and liters.............and an error of 5%...........unless you want to quibble about that as well.

Your stated capacity for the 617.951 is factually incorrect.

toomany MBZ · #14 10-19-2009, 02:56 PM

See post #10, I want a fair fight!

MercFan · #15 10-19-2009, 02:56 PM

According to the FSM I have here on my machine, it's 12.5liters for my 617.952 - unless I'm looking at it incorrectly - see attached pic.