How to use the Prestone flush kit - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Meza · #1 07-03-2003, 01:42 AM

I was wondering if any one used the coolant Prestone flush kit on a 2.6L 190e. It's the kit that has the T-fitting and and the yellow elbow tube. I ran their super flush bottle and now I want the push all the dirt out. Both drain plugs are open and no fluids in the radiator or the block.
PS. Any other method is also appreciated.
Meza

jcantor · #2 07-03-2003, 08:38 AM

Meza,

I've used these kits on many of my previous cars with good success. They require that you locate and cut one of the heater hoses for the installation of the Tee. The only problem I've ever had was that the cap on the Tee blew off after several years on one car and I had to make due with a cap off of a milk bottle until I got home.

For MB, I'm not sure where you would install the Tee as the heater system seems a bit different. On my MB, I've simply followed the factory service procedure and flushed the system with citiric acid, rinsed, and refilled. If you need a source for citirc acid, I believe I got mine very economically from chemistrystore.com.

jlc

#3 07-03-2003, 10:01 AM

I want to do the exact same thing on my '91 190e 2.6, so I'm very interested in people's advice on this. I'm still waiting on my shop CD from MB (its taking forever), so I'm not exactly positive where everything is.

The Tee that comes in the Prestone kit is supposed to be installed in the heater inlet hose. I believe thats the hose that comes out of the firewall on the drivers side (right behind the air cleaner) and makes a right turn into the engine block. Is that correct?? I could be wrong.

What I'm not clear on is where the evacuation elbow tube goes as there is no cap on the radiator itself. The directions suggest instead to use the inlet on the radiator where the upper heater hose connects, but that sounds like it could get messy. Could the evac tube be inserted into the resevoir tank instead??

Meza, if you figure it out please let me know how you did it.

Thanks, D Stang

JSlabotsky · #4 07-03-2003, 10:35 AM

I've been pondering using one of these kits as well on my 300CE.

Yes, put the elbow on the expansion tank and it should work just fine - it's the same pressure cap-type opening as on a traditional radiator.

Once we figure out which hose to splice the tee into, it should be pretty simple. But, of course, you want to close off those drain plugs before you start flushing with the garden hose.

STORMINORMAN · #5 07-03-2003, 12:11 PM

...and I would suggest that you detach the upper radiator hose at the inlet: this will prevent backflushing any debris into the radiator or reservoir tank

.

By the time you are backflushing there shouldn't be much of the old coolant mix left in the system, if you have adequately removed it from the engine and heater by draining & refilling, getting up to normal operating temp and re-draining the system. Maybe twice?

I then run the backflush into a large tub until I see no evidence of color nor particulate coming out. A pint of diluted coolant further diluted by 16 quarts of fresh water is not very toxic nor dangerous. Put it on the flowers.

You may be amazed at the amount of gunk and/or grit (scale) that can come out of the system, depending often upon the level of previous cooling system maintenance.

Cheers!

JSlabotsky · #6 07-03-2003, 01:12 PM

Okay, so here's a dumb question: Which one is the inlet hose? I have the M103 3.0L 24V. The only heater hose I can even see is the one coming off the front of the block that goes into a valve on the right side (US passenger side) fender well. Will patching into that hose work?