'95 C280 coolant flush
 

A simple question from a newbie:

What's the procedure for draining and filling coolant in a '95 C280? I see the radiator cap is on the overflow tank... that's new to me.

Hope to do it today (while the temp is up to an amazing 48 degrees!)


thanks. - freezing in Philly

There are two drain plugs, one at the bottom of the radiator and the other one under the exhaust manifold on the passenger side of the engine block. Just drain and refill.

To ensure that no air was trapped, I refilled through the coolant thermostat housing until it was full and then put the rest in the expansion tank. Fill the expansion tank untill it won't hold any more to ensure that the air bleeds itself out.

If you haven't changed the thermostat in a long time or if the temp is running cold, then it might be a good idea to change the thermostat while you are at it.

it seems that the general feeling here at MS is to use the genuine MB coolant when replacing, and not the generic prestone or others that you can get anywhere.

not 100% sure of ALL the reasons, but most likely due to the corrosive (sp?) properties and the types of materials the MB cooling systems are manufactured with.

im sure its not cheap, but it sure is frequently recommended here.

you can probably do a search here for info on "bleeding" the system after refilling.

You can also use the Zerex G-05 that is available at most AutoZones now. It is the exact same formula that Mercedes has been selling for a while now and is a lot less expensive. And yes I confirmed this via e-mail with the Valvoline Corporation.

To help further your draining endeavors, remove the black hose just above the airpump, that will drain your heater core and the residual fluid from your water pump. I don't have a picture to help you out but if you follow the metal tube across the front of the engine (one end attaches below the thermostat housing and the other to the black anti-freeze hose), that's the one!!

I usually get about a quart of fluid out of it when I disconnect it.

Good luck,

Dale

Not trying to scare you but if the overflow is pressurizing and boiling over your head gasket is or could be the culpret.Everytime the piston goes up it pushes air into the water cooling jacket thus pressurizing the water.I'd have that checked and look for small engine leak around the head just a thought.

sorry
 

I hate to be the negative nelly.....but I'm pretty sure you won't scare them.

I can't scientifically prove it....but I'm pretty sure he might have changed his coolant 4 years ago.

Why would you look at the date on a thread. :D