QuestionPlease define "overheats", gauge reading goes too high, steam billowing from under hood, coolant tank loosing fluid? THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE GOES HIGH BY MOVING TO THE RED REGION. WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL DOWN EACH TIME IT OVERHEATS. OCASSIONALLY WE HAVE TO TOP OFF THE WATER AND YOU SEE THE WATER IN THE RADIATOR EXTREMELY HOT. HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RADIATOR FLUSHED AND BLED.
How many miles on vehicle? ABOUT 180,000 MILES
Has the cooling system temperature been checked with an infrared temperature gauge? NO, THE CAR IS IN AFRICA AND THE MECHANICS THERE DON'T HAVE THIS TYPE OF TOOL.
Was the radiator sent to a radiator repair shop for flush and flow test?
Does this repair shop specialize in Mercedes Benz? NO. THE MECHANICS ASSURED ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE RADIATOR FROM THEIR INSPECTION. THE MECHANICS ONLY WORK ON MERCEDES BENZ CARS.
I need answers to all of these questions for further diagnosis
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Followup To
Question -
My 1989 benz 300SE is overheating. We have flushed radiator, changed thermostat, ensure fan clutch works, changed water pump, checked hoses - seem like we have tried everything and it still overheats. The mechanic now is saying that though there is no trace of water in the engine oil, that we need to change the engine head gasket and it will solve the problem. I am a bit hesitant because it doesnt sound logical to me that head gasket could cause overheating. Mech is saying perhaps the head gasket has thinned out. Pls help. I need to make the decision in the next day or so. Regards.
Answer -
More data needed:
Please define "overheats", gauge reading goes too high, steam billowing from under hood, coolant tank loosing fluid?
How many miles on vehicle?
Has the cooling system temperature been checked with an infrared temperature gauge?
Was the radiator sent to a radiator repair shop for flush and flow test?
Does this repair shop specialize in Mercedes Benz?
I need answers to all of these questions for further diagnosis.
AnswerAt 180,000 MILES the head gaskets are due for replacement.
Corrosive action on the gaskets limit life duration.
I would replace them.
Have the valve seals and guides checked while they have the engine heads off.
If this where my car the radiator would be replaced at the same time, you have exceeded durability life for this critical part, it is cheap insurance against engine failure.
Have a great day.
