1987 Mercedes 210 T1TN 105 HP - overheating

[Spen185]

Hello, I have the above van and are currently experiencing an overheating problem. I have replaced the thermostat and radiator cap. Had someone look at the radiator which seems to be ok. But when driving the temperature goes above 100 degrees, once it has been in the red, but from then on i stop before it gets in there.

This has baffled two mechanics now and seems to be a case of trial and error on replacing parts before we finally get there and is becoming rather expensive.

The engine has only done 67K.

Can anyone offer any ideas or has any experience in the same problem?

Many thanks

 

[mioba]

Is your coolant the right mix, coolant pump?

 

[Spen185]

Is your coolant the right mix, coolant pump?

Well to be honest im not sure if this has been checked, i know the last guy flushed the radiator and put a mix in with the water. You will have to forgive me as i know very little about cars especially old engines. Is there a separate reservoir for the coolant and a pump too in the old version of the vans?

 

[clarkmichigan55b]

1 How long does it take to get to the red part of the gauge.
2 Does the water boil over out of the overflow.
3 Was the temperature sender unit on the engine checked to see if it is working correctly. Does this is gives a false reading of overheating when the engine is not overheating.

 

[Spen185]

1 How long does it take to get to the red part of the gauge.
2 Does the water boil over out of the overflow.
3 Was the temperature sender unit on the engine checked to see if it is working correctly. Does this is gives a false reading of overheating when the engine is not overheating.

Hi,

It takes about 10-15 minutes of a gradual climb in temperature.

Yes the water is steaming out of the overflow pipe

I can ask about the temperature sender.

Thanks for your interest

 

[clarkmichigan55b]

1 Has the mechanics checked for head gasket failure.
2 Has the water pump been removed to check for impellor failure.
3 When the cooling system was flushed did a lot of rusty water come out.
4 If the cooling system has not had regular antifreeze changes the vertical tubes in the radiator and water galleries in the engine block can become blocked.
5 What is the history of the vehicle. Have you just bought it or have you had it for some time.

 

[Spen185]

1 Has the mechanics checked for head gasket failure.
2 Has the water pump been removed to check for impellor failure.
3 When the cooling system was flushed did a lot of rusty water come out.
4 If the cooling system has not had regular antifreeze changes the vertical tubes in the radiator and water galleries in the engine block can become blocked.
5 What is the history of the vehicle. Have you just bought it or have you had it for some time.

1.The mechanic seemed pretty sure the head gasket was OK, but didnt check it.
2. No.
3. When flushed, the colour of the water didnt seem that bad according to mechanic
4. Will pass this information on.
5. I bought it last October, it got warm on the drive back but didnt get near the red zone, but did get very hot running around the 100 mark.

 

[Jasons76]

i see on your profile its a camper so it will have a fairly large body on it these vehicles are very easy to work on and i am not sure your mechanics know what they are doing,how can they be pretty sure the head gasket is ok without carrying out a test that should be the first thing you do when someone comes in with overheating issues, just to rule it out if nothing else,i would get the rad checked as well is it the right rad for the vehicle i would assume if it is a camper maybe an uprated rad would be needed,also check out the viscous fan if that has failed then it wont be cooling the rad so will overheat

 

[Spen185]

Ok, thanks, I’m taking it to a reputed garage Friday morning. I will pass on all your advise but hopefully the garage will know all this already. Praying it’s not the head gasket!
Any other tips and helpful advise would be appreciated

 

[elementary]

Does it overheat if you leave it idling on the drive or only when under load? A mechanic once told me if it overheats when idling its the fan if it overheats under load its the radiator blocked as the fan has very little affect when car is moving. Head gasket will be a problem if it keeps getting too hot. Had exactly the same problem with my Omega new rad cleared the problem in the end but not before the head gasket was compromised which failed not long after the new rad