1984 300 td losing/using coolant
 

I drive a 1984 300 TD in good running order. i recently noticed on a rare long trip form Pittsburgh to Buffalo that the car is using/losing engine coolant. there is no obvious burning, smoking, or leaks evident. there are typically a few small drops of coolant and/or oil hanging at the bottom of the motor near the oil pan. Although parking the vehicle leaves practically no evidence of leaks. my garage floor shows only very minor very small spots and the bottom of the car is almost completely dry. i recently had all of the coolant hoses replaced in the engine compartment due to a coolant leak near the climate control manifold (correct word? where the heating/cooling lines pierce the engine compartment into the passenger cabin) and all evidence of leaks at this location are resolved. i still get a faint coolant smell under normal vehicle operation but i cannot see any evidence of a significant leak or burning of coolant. has anyone had a similar experience or can anyone advise me on this issue? thanks for your help.
alexander

... wow, 4 years of lurking on here! first post? or first post in a tech forum?
anyway, WELCOME to the discussion.
the "faint coolant smell" makes me think your recent repair of hoses, either damaged the heater core, or left a SLIGHT leak that is leaving residue in the cabin.
if you see coolant on the block, I'd get a pump up kit, and fill the radiator up to 20 psi and watch it over for any signs of leakage.
radiator tanks, that stupid short hose between the thermostat housings, the heater hose in the back of the head... fine tooth comb the sucker.

i regret that i haven't had the time to dedicate to my benz as i had intended so i've been relying on mechanics and not DYI as i had intended. i joined when i bought my first 300td with many plans and much enthusiasm that went nowhere, as evidenced. i'm making an effort to better understand my second vehicle and attend to it personally and i appreciate your directions to investigate my current problem. my primary concern is safety and long term engine damage hence the urgent post.

Could be your water pump is starting to go out.

There is a small weep hole on the front bottom of your water pump. If there is dampness there, your WP may be ready to give out. Not a difficult job for a DIYer. There are plenty of posts on the forum on how do install a new pump.