Radiator leak

[mb4meplz]

87 300TDT.

I figured out how my radiator got punctured from the engine side.

A few weeks ago I was heading home on the expressway when my low coolant level light came on. Wasn't overheating so I continued home. Once I arrived in my driveway I popped the hood to find a bit of steam and coolant being thrown by the fan. When I turned off the engine a lot of coolant gushed out the bottom of the bumper.

A bit of quick diagnosing found the radiator leaking almost in the center. I inspected the ac condenser but could not find any damage. I called the dealer about 10 minutes before they closed to get a new radiator ordered,also ordered a water pump and lower hose, I already had a thermostat.

The radiator had to come from Germany and was back ordered there. Luckily my parts guy is good and he had a rush put on it. Still took a week and a half to get in.

I finally got the chance to start work on the cooling system Saturday. After pulling the radiator and starting on pulling the fan clutch I noticed something missing. The spring clip which holds the fan clutch fill plug in place was no longer to be found. I had spotted the fill plug by the number 2 injector during my initial inspection.

My theory is that the spring clip was tossed around by the fan. This caused the puncture and disappearance.

I have replaced the waterpump and thermostat and lower radiator hose while I'm waiting on a new fan clutch to finish installation. Should have the fan clutch tomorrow afternoon.

I'll post pictures as soon as I figure that out. Gives me something to do at work tomorrow.