I've got a blue 2L 1990 carburrettor 190, which went to an independent garage which I've used for years, to have a coolant leak fixed. Now the heater output is a lot lower than before. However, I don't know whether the car is operating more correctly than before or not. I just know that the heater doesn't have the same fantastic (hot!) output that it did before. Now, on max, it's just fairly warm on an average day and decidedly tepid and ineffective on a cold day. Previously, it was hot enough to be uncomfortable to keep my hand in front of the vent, which was excellent for those cold British winters.
Car went in the first time and they replaced the radiator and a pipe. They recommended the thermostat be changed too, so I said yes. This is when the problem started.
Before repair, the temperature gauge previously would always stabilise well above the 80c mark, usually around the 90c mark while driving. The heater was hot and the car's performance felt more lively when fully warmed up. The Haynes manual states that the thermostat begins opening at 87c and is fully open at about 100c, so is consistent with this. The standard issue handbook imparts no useful information, as one would expect...
Now, the temperature gauge is always at 80c or a bit lower, the heater output is much lower and the car's performance seems more sedate, although typically Mercedes smooth.
I then had a ride in a 1990 200TE and saw that the temperature gauge in that was also under 80c when fully warmed up, so I now wonder if my car was simply running too hot before. Please note that if my car is left idling, the temperature gauge will eventually go some way above the 90c mark and the fan cut in, which seems correct. In this temperature range, the heater output is of course excellent again, so I know that the gauge and temperature sensor are showing a proper reading.
Anyway, the coolant leak had not been fixed. I replaced the radiator cap after realising that it was leaking - which the garage should have spotted in the first place. It was ok for a couple of days, but then the leak returned with a vengeance.
Booked it into the garage again, also pointing out the low temperature problem. They replaced the water pump, which finally nailed the leak. Unfortunately, because they were running late and I needed the car back in a hurry, I discussed it with the mechanic, but I didn't push for the thermostat to be checked that it's the correct type, so I still have this pesky tepid heat problem.
So, in summary, heat output is not that great any more and I'm not quite sure if the car is operating correctly. As you can imagine, I'm finding this situation frustrating and would really appreciate some advice on this.
Car went in the first time and they replaced the radiator and a pipe. They recommended the thermostat be changed too, so I said yes. This is when the problem started.
Before repair, the temperature gauge previously would always stabilise well above the 80c mark, usually around the 90c mark while driving. The heater was hot and the car's performance felt more lively when fully warmed up. The Haynes manual states that the thermostat begins opening at 87c and is fully open at about 100c, so is consistent with this. The standard issue handbook imparts no useful information, as one would expect...
Now, the temperature gauge is always at 80c or a bit lower, the heater output is much lower and the car's performance seems more sedate, although typically Mercedes smooth.
I then had a ride in a 1990 200TE and saw that the temperature gauge in that was also under 80c when fully warmed up, so I now wonder if my car was simply running too hot before. Please note that if my car is left idling, the temperature gauge will eventually go some way above the 90c mark and the fan cut in, which seems correct. In this temperature range, the heater output is of course excellent again, so I know that the gauge and temperature sensor are showing a proper reading.
Anyway, the coolant leak had not been fixed. I replaced the radiator cap after realising that it was leaking - which the garage should have spotted in the first place. It was ok for a couple of days, but then the leak returned with a vengeance.
Booked it into the garage again, also pointing out the low temperature problem. They replaced the water pump, which finally nailed the leak. Unfortunately, because they were running late and I needed the car back in a hurry, I discussed it with the mechanic, but I didn't push for the thermostat to be checked that it's the correct type, so I still have this pesky tepid heat problem.
So, in summary, heat output is not that great any more and I'm not quite sure if the car is operating correctly. As you can imagine, I'm finding this situation frustrating and would really appreciate some advice on this.
