Thinking of doing the hoses and (gasp) radiator - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 02-04-2004, 12:36 AM

Hi,

The radiator on my 83 300D is the original one. Seems fine, temperature is always OK, the plastic seems strong, and its only ever seen MB coolant. But Id guess one day something will spring a leak. With 20+ years and 217k under its belt, should I consider replacing it? The system runs under suprisingly low pressure; once I left the cap just sitting in the hole and drove it on the interstate for days without loosing any coolant or having any engine temperature concerns at all. I would have left it that way for years had I not noticed it when tinkering under the hood.

The hoses are who knows how old as well. They look good, no problems seen when looking closely at the ends of the radiator hoses. I am a bit concerned though about the heater hoses. If one of them breaks, will I loose all my coolant, or does the flow through all the small diameter heater hoses entirely depend upon the operation of the aux water pump?

If I was to replace all the cooling hoses and the heater hoses, how big of a job would that be? Im sure that Id have coolant everywhere... If I drain the radiator will there still be coolant in the heater lines?

After doing all the hoses, Im sure there will be plenty of air pockets. How hard will it be to burp it from this point?

Any help would be great.
Thanks,

JMH

whunter · #2 02-04-2004, 01:03 AM

Hello JHZR2
No fear, the job is simple.
I would replace the radiator and all rubber hoses on the car.
OEM brake Flex hoses have an average life of eight years.
OEM radiator and heater hose has an average life of ten years.
OEM radiator has an average life of ten years.
I think you should replace the hoses.
A day to replace all the cooling hoses, heater hoses and radiator.
If you drain the radiator there will still be coolant in the heater lines.
Burping air from the system is simple.

84300DT · #3 02-04-2004, 12:07 PM

i have the original radiator (not sure about the hoses) and it is working correctly (knock on wood.. :p ) so i am not thinking about replacing it or the hoses that are not leaking even in the freaking cold we have been having lately.

i'll prolly regret having said that , hehe

samiam4 · #4 02-04-2004, 02:17 PM

You could have the radiator rebuilt for about 1/2 the cost of a new behr. If the hoses are pliable- I wouldn't worry too much, the MB coolant is much less hard on rubber than the green stuff.

So the 3 year Gates hoses rules don't apply very well. I would tend to flush the system if needed. Then replace the hoses, thermostat(and bypass hose), and a new or rebuilt radiator.

Michael

R Leo · #5 02-04-2004, 04:22 PM

My theory is this: Well over 90% of your "side of the road" breakdowns will be related to some sort of rubber component...tires, hoses, belts. Replace those items on a regular basis or as they wear and you are statistically ahead of the reliability game.

After purchase, I didn't know what the status of Lilly's hoses were and planned on replacing them...to the point of actually having a complete set of hoses in the shop when one afternoon the s-hose coming out of the head, going to the heater split in one of the bends. Fortunately, I noticed it as I walked to the car after work; I checked the coolant level in the header tank (was still OK), released the seal on the cap and drove home with the heater off.
In 8 miles of running and 40 minutes of driving, the engine barely lost any coolant at all (there was still coolant in the header tank).

FWIW, I give my radiator inlets (the top nipple) a firm tug anytime I'm under the hood doing service. I figure, if it's going to break, I'd rather have it break off in my hand in the garage than on the highway someplace east of BFE.

It's always a guessing game with 'ol Murphy.

JHZR2 · #6 02-04-2004, 05:04 PM

Good point... I always have my dealer (figuring theyd LOVE to sell me some overpriced hoses) and my indy check them out wheneer Im in. Between alignments and coolant flushes, and other work I choose not to tackle, Im in maybe 3x per year. They have not yet told me that any hose needs replacement. But it scares me just the same.

Whats the best hose to get? Since I dont really know whats sold at fastlane, I guess the MB part is the best, as its probably michelin or continental rubber.

Can anyone suggest a source of wholesale MB-starred parts?

Thanks,

JMH

R Leo · #7 02-04-2004, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JHZR2

Can anyone suggest a source of wholesale MB-starred parts?

You have mail.

JHZR2 · #8 02-04-2004, 09:02 PM

As cheap insurance for the time being, can anyone tell me the ID of the radiator hose and the heater hoses? I figure a couple lengths of copper pipe and a few hose clamps would be smart to take along, just in case a hose should ever go, old or new...
Thanks,

JMH

samiam4 · #9 02-04-2004, 11:12 PM

I'm not sure who makes there hoses...

I do know that firestone rubber of germany makes most of their suspenion bushings, door seals, motor mounts etc...

You can call Tom @ caliber mercedes for wholesale prices. If you are in a smaller town-try talking to the parts manager!

Michael