W124 Water disappearance + start problem

[Tracer]

Hi All
I have a '91 W124 230E Auto with 163k. The problem is that it is using water, from previous threads I believe one has to check all the pipes etc. One thing I have noticed is that the radiator cap is marked 140 instead of 120 as on the label where you open the bonnet. Can this effect the cooling system? There is no froth in the oil and the engine seems to be in excellent condition, burning the tailpipe a very light grey after a 10km run on the freeway (doing 110km/h)
Another problem is that after a run like that or after achieving operating temp it would not start again after you have switched it off. You normally have to leave it off for about 1 minute after which it will start..... The mechanic who inspected it initially said it could be a faulty injector?! Could this be true? Did anyone had the same problem?

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

have you checked the coolant- no sign of crud in the tank i take it?

how much water are you losing?

 

[190surgen]

Sonds like your head gasket if you cant find a leek

 

[tonyd]

I had a mystery water leak in a 1985 230E. Turned out to be the head gasket, of course! THe engine ran for weeks without any symptoms until one day I couldn't get the starter motor to turn the engine over (water in pistons!). I left it a few minutes, and then it started and I could return home. Seems like all 230E cylinder head gaskets give way eventually because some galleries are designed too close. I believe that any competent garage would quickly be able to test whether water is penetrating your cylinders.
If the spare water is not in your footwell, and not on your driveway, where else can it go?

 

[Tracer]

Hi no nothing in the water or oil for that matter! the thing is that it seems to happen only after some time let's say on a 10 k trip it will happen close to the end, if that is any indication. It loses about 2 liters out of the tank if I must guess. It is going in tomorrow to be checked out. Hopefully this won't cost me an arm and a leg!! Will keep you guys posted and hopefully it is NOT the head gasket!

 

[Tracer]

I'm just wondering - if there is a leak in the head gasket surely the pressure on at least one of the pistons will drop?? and if that is true then it will show on the oil pressure guage- correct me if i'm wrong ???

 

[Keith D]

Water Water

Hi I am having the same probs, and with the same Merc model. This morning I took off the Thermostat cover as I did detect some water arround the back of it, tofind that the housing has at least 2 small cracks in it (it is made of plastic) I have put plenty of gasket seal on it and hope it will hold till I can get a replacement.

Regards

Keith D

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

the newer thermostat housings are made of metal since cracks in the old plastic ones are common.

Tracer- 2 litres seems a lot to loose with no obvious leak signs- I had a problem with a hairline crack in my radiator which would drip after shut-off out of sight and I'd loose up to a litre.

What's your engine temp like when you're driving?

 

[Tracer]

Hi Chazchuzzlewitt
This morning I took it in to my mechanic it was rather early and there were no major traffic and quite cold as well. (It was about a 20km drive.) The temp guage was showing below 80 degrees and only in traffic did it pick up a bit, (not exceeding 80)only to cool down again as my speed increased. This time I checked the level before I left it at the garage - and no loss! So what you're saying might just be the case on mine as well. Also I noted a small puff of steam (just one and small) after shutting the car off coming from the radiator side with bonnet closed. Thanks for your advise!

 

[Tracer]

Wow what a relief !! The mechanic has just phoned me to say that it was indeed the radiator and not a head gasket ! That is about 1/5 of the price of a head job!

 

[Bolide]

Losing water

Chazchuzzlewitt knows the score... it's normally a tiny leak in the radiator that only weeps when under pressure

It happened to my 250TD a few years ago too


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk