coolant loss
 

hey folks, I have spotted a small leak in my radiator of my 85 190e 2.3. It appears to be leaking a tablespoon or two a day from the drivers side of the radiator where the fins meet the side, more into the side than the fins. It is on the rear side of the radiator facing the engine compartment. A. is there a cheap fix as the leak is very small. B. if the radiator must come out how would people rate the job in terms of degree of difficulty?

The radiator is easily removed and replaced. You should take it to a radiator shop once removed and see if they can fix it, which they probably can. If not, buy a new one.

You should see to this very soon, as your engine is at stake if this problem is left alone.

Good luck,

tunk-

are you sure the leak is at the join where the fins are?

I have a small leak in that area and it is from the hose that connects to the radiator, then trickles down. Doesn't leak much, maybe have to add a few ounces of coolant a week to top up.

Unfortunately there's no room down there to get a screwdriver in to tighten the clamp.

What was it one other poster says on here?- "if it's German, it leaks"

chazola, I'm pretty confident in the location of the leak, and I actually started out thinking it must be a hose. but after running my hand under the hose every other day for a couple weeks and coming up dry I have convinced myself that its not dripping down. guess I need to know how much a new radiator costs, but could use other cheap suggestions and a time estimate for someone with half a brain and ten thumbs.

thanks folks.
cdt

GO PATS

Your radiator is probably the aluminum core type with crimped on plastic side tanks. A common failure mode is for a leak to develop at the crimp joint. As a quicky fix you could try some Bar's Leak pellets available from most auto parts stores.

There are some outfits that can repair the radiator by replacing the side tanks, but some say the repair is not that reliable.

The radiator is made by Behr and is available through aftermarket sources. The price through the aftermarket is probably cheaper than the same radiator through the dealer. The only difference is that the Behr radiator through the aftermarket may not have a MBZ part number on it.

Duke

The chances that a repair will last are fairly low -- either the aluminum is corroded (radiator is toast) or the seal is gone, and the crimp will fatigue when opened and recrimped.

If you are lucky, you may be able to find a copper and brass radiator replacement. Available for most cars (just not my or my sisters turbo Volvos).

Peter