Mercedes: merecedes 190e 1992, radiator hose, radiator cap

Question
QUESTION: My Mercedes 190e 1.8 is overheating. The water pump and thermostat have been changed. the heater is blowing slightly warm, there is no loss of coolant but the temperature is going sky high and even when driving along does not seem to cool down. Could this be a blockage? Many thanks lindon

ANSWER: Lindon,
There is certainly something keeping the coolant from making it's rounds through the radiator.
The important thing is to not run the vehicle without coolant,as permanent damage can be caused.

Is the temp exceeding 200 degrees?
You may want to check for a collapsed radiator hose.
When the pump and thermostat were replaced, did you have the radiator back flushed?
That may have been the source of your overheating to begin with.
Sludge can stop up the flutes in the radiator and keep it from transferring heat to the air.
Remember that removing the radiator cap if the vehicle is over heating can cause the water to boil out under pressure and cause severe burns.

Let me know if you have additional Questions.
Rob


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Rob,have put in rad flush and back flushed radiator and heater matrix. Heater is now hot but in standing traffic temperature gauge which has hardly ever gone above 80 seems to rise sharply, although not in the red, alot better but not right thanks for all the info,  best wishes lindon

Answer
Lindon,
I this has a belt driven fan with a fan clutch, it may be causing your problem. The flan clutch used a bi-metal coil to engage the fluid drive. If the clutch is gone you may not be getting enough flow over the radiator in traffic.
If the car has an electric fan, the fan thermostat may not be switching on the fan as the temp rises, or the fan motor may be bad. If it is indeed electric, it should be on continuously when you engage the A/C.
Let me know if you determine the fan clutch to be at fault.
Good Luck
Rob