cooling

[funks]

I have acquired this 190D 2l, 1992 and I don't know why the cooling level is always low. As I kept adding water, the antifreeze became diluted so I have to flush the whole thing but I could not find the thermostat housing. Any help will be really appreciated.

 

[Ian Brown]

The thermostat housing is on the left-hand side [looking in] just between the alternator and engine mounting follow the bottom radiator hose and you will see the housing.

 

[funks]

Thanks Ian. Any idea why the coolant disappears although there is no visible leak.

 

[mercmonkey]

Thanks Ian. Any idea why the coolant disappears although there is no visible leak.

Probably the local hobbits.... they'll nick anything not nailed down

 

[clive williams]

Thanks Ian. Any idea why the coolant disappears although there is no visible leak.

Funks,

Worryingly, it could be being blown out down the overflow when hot. Does it continue to loose coolant when you don't top it up or does it settle to a level?
Air locks can cause the blow out or, overheating, or head gasket gone (look for oil film in the header tank). I once had a pin-hole leak on an Audi rad that only appeared when very hot (just begfore the fans cut in). It took 25k mls to finally track it down!

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[funks]

Thanks Clive. I don't know if this is the case cos the car's never been overheated. I've changed the thermostat and the coolant last summer and I think the mech didn't do it properly. ( he thinks the thermostat housing is in the top of the engine!!)

I will try and see if there is oil bits in the pressure thank. I'll let you know...
Thanks again

 

[funks]

sorry just forgot...

when you add water, the level stays ok. when pumping the radiator hoses, more water is needed but after that the level stays ok.

 

[Ian Brown]

Have a look at the heater control valve they are bad for leaking it's located under the bonnet next to the wiper motor just follow the pipe that goes through the bulkhead

 

[funks]

Hi all, thanks for you help. I have chance to check the cooling in my 190D again but it seems the problem is till there.

I have checked the coolant tank and there is no oil mixing. I've also checked the heater pipes and the bulkhead but there is no visible leak.
I only have this problem when a mechanic changed the thermostat and flush the engine. I think it is the thermostat that may not fit be for diesel 190 but this won't make the coolant disappear.

Now the coolant becomes diluted and I have to change it but it will disappear if the problem is not resolved.

Any ideas or I have to take it to a garage..
I appreciate your help guys.

 

[tom7035]

It must be going somewhere. If you can't find a leak you'll need to have the system pressure-tested to do so.
I take it your oil level is always constant and not rising due to coolant entering the sump via a faulty gasket? This would have been apparent early on though.

 

[mercmonkey]

I had a similar problem on another marque of car and was a hose union, only used to leak once the pressure in the sytem built up

 

[funks]

other problems

Hi all, thanks for your replies...
Finally, last weekend I have changed the cooling without flushing the engine but the cooling still disappears...Mice!

I have looked in all hoses and clips for visible leaks and guess what I found, a diesel leak, possibly from diesel pipes into diesel injectors and one of them start bubbling when the engine is on...!

I took a deep breath...closed the bonnet...put the kettle on and watch TV for the rest of the weekend.

Now I have to drive to Germany this weekend and could not possibly think how this car would take me there and back in one piece...!

Does anyone have an indea why the injector bubbles?
While poring some anti-freeze in, the coolant pressure tank in the lower stabilizes while only four litres of coolant+water was put in, usually 190D 2l takes 8.5 litres. I added some later on but is this normal?

Sorry guys hope you won't have your eyes squared reading this thread..All your comments will really be appreciated.

Funks.