W211 OM624 Coolant level

matthew k

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Hi!! I was in my W211 eairler on my way back from a friends house. The car was warm when I parked it, I then set off 30 mins later. I must say there seemed to be quite a lot of white smoke coming from the tail pipes in traffic. This had stopped by the time I got home.

I checked the coolant reservoir car level and it looked a bit low? The seal inside the reservoir looks a bit tired IMO. There isn't any mayo inside the oil cap, the engine is running well with no misfiring etc. Do I need to throw it off a cliff, or do you think the HG is probably ok, could the reservoir/cap be to blame? Thanks
 

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matthew k

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Am I right in thinking there are two seals, one in the cap and another in the tank opening where it meets the cap seal? The cap seal looks in poor condition, so may try that first, I don't want to waste my money obviously.

I also presume if the coolant was entering the combustion chamber/s the system would also be pressurised?
 

LostKiwi

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I also presume if the coolant was entering the combustion chamber/s the system would also be pressurised?
Not always. Sometimes pressure from the cylinder can seal the leak.

Keep an eye on coolant levels as if it's leaking coolant into the combustion chamber coolant levels will drop.
Personally I suspect it's just typical cold weather behaviour.
 
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matthew k

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Not always. Sometimes pressure from the cylinder can seal the leak.

Keep an eye on coolant levels as if it's leaking coolant into the combustion chamber coolant levels will drop.
Personally I suspect it's just typical cold weather behaviour.

The coolant was low in the picture though don't you think?
 
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matthew k

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Thanks, yeah it's a bit low, but thinking about it if that white smoke was the HG surely it would only affect one exhaust left or R. It hasn't been over heated. Most of the pipework has been replaced, it's had lots of money spent on it over the last 8 years.

I can see there is no seal in the reservoir, just on the cap. I suppose I should try a new cap, I can't smell coolant, the oil cooler.and seals have been done, the rad looks ok. Anyway, cheers again, I was assuming the worst.
 
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alexanderfoti

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The level should be at the top of that white post inside the reservoir when cold , as said above just top it up and monitor it .

Yes as you say. It's overfilled in the picture (as the white area is not visible.)
 
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matthew k

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Yes as you say. It's overfilled in the picture (as the white area is not visible.)
No, it was below the white post. What are the chances of it being the cap itself?
 

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LostKiwi

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A bit dirty but otherwise looks ok.
A cap won't cause it blow steam out the exhaust.

Have you actually monitored it for coolant loss?
 
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matthew k

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A bit dirty but otherwise looks ok.
A cap won't cause it blow steam out the exhaust.

Have you actually monitored it for coolant loss?
I am now, just topped it off properly. I don't think it's the HG TBH, a leak seems more likely. I'll monitor it over the next week. There is some coolant staining behind the seal I think?
 

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No, it was below the white post. What are the chances of it being the cap itself?

Quite right, didn't spot that on the picture.

It's been very cold recently. At that level I wouldn't worry. Check it when cold in a few weeks and see what happens.
 
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matthew k

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Ok, I took it out today and drove around Winchester for about half an hour looking for somewhere to park. Did some shopping and drove two miles home. Looks pretty conclusive don't you think?

The coolant hoses look original too which is quite impressive for a 14 year old car, I take it the cooling systems on the Mercs are better than the rubbish BMW use!? Where should I get a cap, is Febi ok, seems around £15? Cheers!!
 

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Wighty

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Ok, I took it out today and drove around Winchester for about half an hour looking for somewhere to park. Did some shopping and drove two miles home. Looks pretty conclusive don't you think?

The coolant hoses look original too which is quite impressive for a 14 year old car, I take it the cooling systems on the Mercs are better than the rubbish BMW use!? Where should I get a cap, is Febi ok, seems around £15? Cheers!!
I’m sure Febi would be fine , but I bet MB is similar ?
 
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matthew k

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I suppose it would be advisable to top it up with some neat coolant. What type do I need, does anyone know? It's a blue/green colour. Cheers
 

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Colour means nothing. It's just a dye and there's no standard.
Comma G48 (available from Halfords) is the correct spec.
 


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