Plastic Radiator Neck on a $30k car?!
 

WTF! Just a rant, but still!

If you are talking about a 1980's to early 1990's Mercedes Benz, yeah, that is disgusting, but get rid of the OEM radiator now and replace it with a new Nissens or Behr.

Those ones have reinforced upper hose necks that won't crumble.


Consider it a normal wear and tear issue; just replace it and be done with it.

All part of making the car lighter and vendors reducing costs. Keep in mind that most of the fractures at the radiator neck are also symptoms that the motor mounts are allowing vibrations to be telegraphed to the hose and neck parts, so check the mounts while you're at it.

I'm sure you can splice it.

Hell...that's why they invented "JB Weld" - right? :D

BTW, the radiator replacement ran about $400 and it came in from CA.. :o :rolleyes:

California?! BS, I ordered one from Phil today, the way it's supposed to come...and half that price.

I don't think it's repairable, the neck's in about 3 pieces. I don't even know what did it. I replaced the engine temp sensor (on the engine, not anywhere near the radiator), and I noticed a low coolant light later in the day. Fingure it was weeping (I know, it must have been weeping ALOT), opened the engine, and the upper hose was just sitting there, bellowing steam. I was able to get it clamped to what was left to get it home, but it's pretty loose, and I know how the head is on this engine, so I'm no taking any chances.

Yep...Californication...

I had the radiator shop do it...this was right after I got the car and before I was familiar with Phil and Comp....

( Sorry Phil!!! ) :o

if the part lasted 20+ years before breaking, Im gonna say it did its job. Especially a part that gets very hot on a daily basis and the repeatedly heated and cooled constantly.

Yep, radiators are cheap. Consider it good to have lasted two decades + and replace it once.

Nothing wrong with plastic radiators, they usualy last 20 years. Most cars get junked before that.

You should be glad you don't have a BMW where replacing the rad, expansion tank and pump are considered routine maintenance. Crazy Germans love their plastic cooling systems.

The 740 is all plastic.........plastic intake manifold.........hardly find any iron under the hood........:eek:

But, I took it down to NC and back over the last three days. One tank was pushing very close to 25 mpg.........stunning for a 4400 lb. vehicle with 280 hp.

yea its pretty common. both of my 300sd's had that happen. the first time there was enough left to clamp the hose on. on the second sd when it went it took out the vacuum pump too. luckily i was only a few miles from home.

Just a note, I ordered a Nissens Radiator for my TE, and the necks were still plastic. Sent it back and ordered a Behr, and it has the reinforced necks.

I had to replace mine (the original) back in January. The side seam, where plastic meets metal had opened up. Since I knew of the neck issue, I replaced it without a whimper.

I agree with Hat. If it lasts 20 years, it's done its job. ;)
Had to replace my exhaust last year. Imaging that! It too only lasted 20years. ;):D