Steam and Heaters - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cheech9 · #1 12-04-2002, 07:00 PM

Recently, when I turn my heat on after the car has been on for a while, something under the hood starts steaming. If the heat is on when I start the car, it doesn't do this. It doesn't smell like just water that is evaporating. It almost smells like coolant. By the time I get out of the car to see what was steaming, it stops. Could this be related to my heater core/valve?

I have an '82 240D (W123).

TIA

NormanB · #2 12-04-2002, 08:56 PM

RU sure?
RU losing coolant - check expansion tank.
Not sure of the prevailing weather in your neck of the woods but even rain has to be boiled off if it gets into your radiator matrix - this will have an 'engine smell' unless radiator is fairly new.

Mark your expansion tank when cold and then at operating temperature with a strip of masking tape at each level - then you can check daily easily.

Good luck

haasman · #3 12-04-2002, 09:36 PM

NormanB - I use to have a 240D and I was wondering .... do they have expansion tanks?

cheech9 - If you smell it and see it, that's a good indication it is there (the leak that is). Look around carefully. Generally, if the steam is coming out the grill, it is most likely radiator or close by.

Also look at the water pump on the bottom. They tend to start leaking a little, then more and then totally let go!

You can always get a pressure check on your system. Hey, maybe it is only a bad radiator cap.

Haasman

NormanB · #4 12-05-2002, 07:34 PM

Hi Haasman

With devastating diplomacy and wit you expose my complete lack of knowledge of the 240D.

As you owned one you know.

I give way to you

haasman · #5 12-05-2002, 09:51 PM

Norman,

Geesh .... I don't know what to say .... but thank you. But .... remember it has been a while since I looked under the hood of a 240D.

Never-the-less, I will always love this car. Just does what it is supposed to do, for a long long time.

Haasman