380sl runs hot help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jimsclub · #1 10-16-2004, 12:34 PM

Ever since i had the raditor replaced (recored) the car has been running about 100 to 110 celsies. Before it ran at 85 to 90 with the ac on. The temp now starts at 90 and slowly builds up. I have replaced the water pump, t-stas, fan clutch, v belts, temp sender. I also had the brakes replaced so they are not dragging. Does anybody have any thoughts on what to do next.

stevebfl · #2 10-16-2004, 03:06 PM

Sounds like you got too small of a core.

jimsclub · #3 10-18-2004, 05:10 PM

Steve how can I tell if the core is to small?

#4 10-19-2004, 11:54 AM

Sometimes improper ignition timing can cause an overheat condition >> but me-htinks this is not the case with yours >> as car was OK until change of radiator..

Probablly something in the "re-cored/repaired" radiator.

There are any number of stories of where you pay good money to a shop to "fix" a problem and they are more than happy to cash your check >> yet they fail to "fix" the problem

good luck

ILUVMILS · #5 10-19-2004, 12:07 PM

Make sure you have a good ground at the instrument cluster. One telltale sign of a poor ground is guage needle movement when the turn signals are used. I've seen this cause the temp guage to read ~20C higher than it acyually is.

ericgr · #6 10-19-2004, 12:11 PM

For this particular car, you can get a Radtech radiator which is OEM (made by Behr I believe) for about $300 online. It seems to be the same as the original radiator. I put one of these in and it was externally and weight-wise identifical to the original-- heavy metal construction, very solid, fits perfectly, etc. To put an end to this mystery, you might buy one online and put it in.

I posted some DIY notes on changing the radiator under one of my mosts, you can find it by doing a search on all of my posts.

S320drvr · #7 10-19-2004, 05:33 PM

Since this happened after you replaced the radiator, you might also want to investigate whether or not you have air still in the system. Trapped air will cause this symtom. If your thermostat cap does not have a nipple on it to bleed the air off, you can get one and make sure you get ALL of the air out of the system before you start replacing expensive parts.