Is this normal for CLK 320 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

benzman2 · #1 06-08-2006, 03:02 AM

I recently purchased a 1998 CLk 320 for my wife. The car runs great but I am noticing an issue. Under normal driving conditions the engine temperature is above the half mark (80 degrees). It doesent go to the 2/3 point but is consistently over half and fluctuates a little bit. My 1987 300 E never goes to half it is usually just under and only goes to the half point under heavy driving. Is this normal on the CLK 320 or should I check somethings? Thanks.

blackmercedes · #2 06-08-2006, 09:32 AM

What's the weather like? When your AC system is under demand, your engine coolant temp will rise to 95-97C in traffic, which is perfectly normal.

Ali Al-Chalabi · #3 06-08-2006, 09:47 AM

The CLK is acting normally, but it sounds like there is a problem with the 300E. It should stay above 80C at all times. If it doesn't either the coolant temp gauge is faulty or more likely you need a new thermostat.

benzman2 · #4 06-08-2006, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali Al-Chalabi

The CLK is acting normally, but it sounds like there is a problem with the 300E. It should stay above 80C at all times. If it doesn't either the coolant temp gauge is faulty or more likely you need a new thermostat.

Thanks for the reply guys. The 300E gets to 80 degrees after about 30 minutes of driving. Could this be affecting my tough starts when the car is cold?

Thanks

Ali Al-Chalabi · #5 06-10-2006, 02:34 PM

If it take 30 mins to get to 80C and the coolant temp gauge is accurate, then I would say it is running too cold. A new thermostat should cure the problem. The thermostat is an 87C part. That means it starts to open at 87C, and it will be fully open at 102C. As they age, they start to open at slightly lower temps and the bottom range of the coolant temp creeps lower.