82 380 SL coolant leak after headgasket replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rstarkie · #1 04-29-2008, 06:15 PM

1982 380SL 138K

My winter project was replacing the head gaskets on my 380SL.

I was pleased to find that both heads were plane. I used an Elring gasket set.

After assembly the car started right up and all seemed right with the world. The car was not licensed or insured at the time so I tucked it back into storage.

Earlier this month I registered the car and did a few short shake down runs and did not notice any problems. Last week after a more spirited drive I pulled it into my workspace and shut it off. Ten minutes later when loosening the oil filter I notice a puddle of coolant on the floor.

I jacked the car up and put it on stands. I observed coolant dripping off of the lower starter bolt. A more careful examination (GO5 is not easy to see) revealed the coolant was running down the seam between the block and bellhousing before dripping off.

It does not seem to do this until after the pressure in the system rises because of the lack of circulation. I would say the rate is about one drop every 5 to 7 seconds.

I can not figure out where it is coming from. It is a very cramped area A friend with some experience suggested that there is a drain or weep hole from the area under the intake manifold that directs any coolant leak out the back and down the block.

I have removed the air cleaner assembly and can not find any loose connections on any of the hoses that might be suspect. A strong light looking down around the intake manifold does not reveal any coolant.

This is a new event and was not occurring prior to the head gasket replacement.

Anyone have any experience like this or have any suggestions on how to chase this problem?

Thanks for any input.

Randy

280EZRider · #2 04-29-2008, 06:33 PM

The 1st thing that comes to mind is head bolt torque. I would let your car set over night and retorque the heads next day, paying close attention to torque values & sequence (of course you'll need to check valve adjustment again). When first starting up afterward, drive it for at least 30 minutes on the highway to allow everything to seat properly.

quaid · #3 04-30-2008, 02:53 AM

Maybe one of the heater hoses have failed upon being disturbed. They are above the area you describe.

t walgamuth · #4 04-30-2008, 05:11 AM

This was what I thought of. A loose clamp?

Tom W

david s poole · #5 04-30-2008, 11:27 AM

did you helicoil the bolt holes in the block before you replaced the heads? the block is aluminum and the head bolts are steel.it is not a matter of if the aluminum threads will break BUT WHEN.i have seen this job done several times without helicoiling and a short time later the threads let go on one or more bolts and coolant leaks.i would remove the valve covers and check all the bolts to see if this has happened to you.