Plugged Up Radiator ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mike Richards · #1 01-17-2005, 03:56 PM

This question is not necessarily MB specific.

Radiator appears to be leaking and at this point it appears to be coming from a lower part of the radiator.

After thoroughly warming up the vehicle, the dripping coming from below is cool to the touch. The coolant in the top of the radiator and the eng. block are hot.

Would the cooler coolant from below indicate a plugged up radiator?

haasman · #2 01-17-2005, 04:42 PM

Sounds like it ... but not necessarily ..... can you touch the place where it drips from?

Once warmed up, quickly touch the radiator in several areas (high-left, high-right, center, low-left etc) and see if there are cool regions. This is the fastest way to confirm a radiator blaockage.

Haasman

Mike Richards · #3 01-17-2005, 05:33 PM

I haven't actually located the point of origin. Caught this last night. Didn't have a lot of time to pursue.

I agree with your hot-spot idea. I'll top it off, run it again , shut it off, pull the shroud, then feel for hot spots.

It leaks with or without any pressure in the system, so it might be easier to find by simply pulling, then fill with water. I would be easier to see the radiators entire surface out of the vehicle. If the surface is cool further down, I may just go ahead and get another radiator.

I just got off the phone with several local radiator shops. Over-all, they seem to believe I have partial flow. Interestingly enough, it does not overheat on the highway, or at idle.

haasman · #4 01-17-2005, 06:15 PM

A tip: Since you are looking for "hot vs cold" spots you might avoid the heat spreading to the cooler sections by reaching in between the fan blades. Taking the time to remove the shroud may be too much time.

It doesn't take long for an alloy radiator to transfer and absorb heat and thus get a misleading idea of it being plugged.

Haasman