what in the world is this?

[JamesDean]

So I was laying down in my room watching an episode of the Simpsons when my mom yells down to me, "your car [1993 190E 2.6 193,100miles] is leaking somthing down the driveway...its orange/brownish" So I give it some thought as I walk up the stairs and the only thing that comes to mind is coolant. I look down and see this:


First thing I did was check the coolant, nope its ok:


I looked back at the orange/brown streak:


Then I looked at its origin...which then confused me as to why it would be coming from here:


So what the heck is going on here? The only thing I can think of would be is that it is coolant from the overflow line, but this is just a best guess...I didnt look as to where the overflow line went..come to think of it i dont believe its even facing that direction....

anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

Kris

[stevebfl]

Looks like a thoroughly abused cooling system to me. Maybe terminal.

[Johnhef]

change that coolant.

Its probabaly leaking from the overflow tank (if its the same as a 124) its in the fender. the line maybe ripped on the way to it.

Exactly what color was that coolant when it was put in..... during the Nixon administration.

[JamesDean]

i have no idea...my best guess would be orange?




the overflow tank looks to be empty.

[Johnhef]

pour some water down the overflow line and see where it ends up.

[JamesDean]

uhm,

i was going to do that but when i went to remove the line from the reservoir is snapped and left me with a little bit on the reservoir and the rest in my hand...so its getting replaced. its hard as a rock.

[JamesDean]

i am going to use Zerex G-05 coolant..right?

i just have to find the drains on the block and radiator...i looked for the rad drain and couldnt find it...


Kris

Originally Posted by JamesDean

i am going to use Zerex G-05 coolant..right?

i just have to find the drains on the block and radiator...i looked for the rad drain and couldnt find it...


Kris

Either G-05 or MB antifreeze.

Look for a plastic drain that looks like this:

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1CQ0J3JZ41VZ11NAUV&year=1993&make=MB&model=190-E-005&category=All&part=Radiator+Drain+Plug

Be careful when you tighten it, they are easy to break.

[JamesDean]

thanks craig

also should I do any flushes? if so, what is the proceedure for flushes?


Kris

I would definitely flush that old stuff out, and probably run an acid flush as well. I don't know the best way to do a flush on your engine.

[Johnhef]

if you dont have access to any flush solvents, just drain your radiator, refill with water, run the car awhile, drain, repeat untill mostly water is drained out.

Your block drain is on the passenger side, just behind the motor mount arm. 19mm I believe. take off the thermostat, open the block drain and run water through that too.

[JamesDean]

that the drain?

grrrr so diffuclt to access from underneath...

[Rick76]

After you do the last drain of the block, take the fitting out, clean the threads and put some anti-seize compound on it to make the next time a breeze.

IMHO.

I know I'll get flamed for this but, In a car with that many miles I woundn't power or chemical flush the cooling system unless you want to spend the next few weeks fixing all of the leaks that it's going to create. I would, however, make sure all of the hoses are in good shape and check for leaks.