W211 Worried off gearbox failure/coolant

[television]

I won't worry but I will think about it often.

Thats better

 

[Pathfinder]

sorry to drag this post on a bit but I was wondering.......is the purpose of the ATF radiator being incorporated into the water radiator, to heat up the gearbox to the same temp as the engine faster, in addition to the cooling of the ATF?

 

[television]

They must work hand in hand as the are so close. and probably the correct answer

 

[Pathfinder]

That would explain why it took ages for my ATF to reach 80 degrees to enable me to dip my transmission oil and that was with the car stationary.

Driving under load for about an hour, could not get ATF temp. to go above 70 degrees, I suspect due to the air flow cooling the rad and sump.

Checked with the infrared thermo and a traditional prod, the readings were the same at various points on the sump, casing and pipework.

 

[daz10dazza]

Sorry to bring this up again, I never did find out that if unlucky to experience this type of problem is there any warnings before it happens, would there be a leak anywhere under the car or around the rad itself ?? I do plan on having the gearbox oil/filter changed soon as I believe its never been done and if I was to change the rad which manufacturer is best to use and are we talking about changing the main rad or the smaller one that sits in front ??
My mechanic neighbour has seen more and more Mercs turning up lately with this problem, too be fair most have been diesels and mainly 3.2's though I do believe it doesn't make any difference on the size of engine you have ?? There all the same age as mine too 2003 !!

 

[television]

Sorry to bring this up again, I never did find out that if unlucky to experience this type of problem is there any warnings before it happens, would there be a leak anywhere under the car or around the rad itself ?? I do plan on having the gearbox oil/filter changed soon as I believe its never been done and if I was to change the rad which manufacturer is best to use and are we talking about changing the main rad or the smaller one that sits in front ??
My mechanic neighbour has seen more and more Mercs turning up lately with this problem, too be fair most have been diesels and mainly 3.2's though I do believe it doesn't make any difference on the size of engine you have ?? There all the same age as mine too 2003 !!

The symptoms are when leaking. A humming or droning when pulling lightly in top at engine RPM of between 1500 and 2500 rpm.

 

[daz10dazza]

The weird thing is and I'm probably getting paranoid now but the gear changes recently are becoming more aggressive, you know your changing gears if that makes sense, mainly in S mode, pulls hard like a train and no loss of power or anything like that, might get my local indie to have a look, as far as I can tell the gearbox fluid/filters have never been changed, read a number of times on here that's generally a good thing to do ??

 

[AMGeed]

as far as I can tell the gearbox fluid/filters have never been changed, read a number of times on here that's generally a good thing to do ??

Could be the best £150 you spend on the car. Plenty of members have noticed a positive difference to the smoothness of the 'box after a fluid/filter change.

 

[daz10dazza]

Brill thanks, has been on my mind to do for ages so best get it in and have them check for the dreaded glycol just in case:neutral:

 

[mersum1es]

A Finnish forum member is selling these air cooled kits:
http://www.mese.fi/forum/userpix/5_Kuva1187_1.jpg
http://www.mese.fi/forum/userpix/5_Kuva0888_1.jpg
http://www.mese.fi/forum/userpix/5_Kuva0890_1.jpg
Thermostat for oil (to keep temp steady):http://moposport.fi/en/termostaatti-oljynkierto-78-c-5-8-letkulle-mocal-/OT-2/dp#.Ueajs209Ur4

not cheap but 100% glycol free

 

[daz10dazza]

Morning chaps, just a quick up date, my Indie friend carried out a gearbox fluid/filter change last week and flush (15 litres !!) and I can happily say what a difference this has made, much much smoother and seems more responsive if that's possible, he did mention how thick and black the oil was so did need doing, now a nice cherry red colour.
At the same time he carried out a glycol test and pleased to say no sign - he did say might be a good idea to replace with a newer rad, very happy though and thanks to all for their comments, do appreciate this - thank you