Coolant Change

[Andrew C280]

I plan on doing my own coolant change how much will I need and do you recomened using mercedes benz fluid or, some other type like prestone ?
I have done a search are there any other tips for doing the job how can I make shure I get everything out. If i used a flushing agent will this harm anything ?

[SLAMMED_C]

I would recommend using OEM coolant.. u may be able to use something else.. but OEM is the best in my mind.
with flushing.. whatever you get out when u back off the drain plug is what you get out.. there really isnt a way to et everyhting out.. cause if you do try n get everything out.. you will end up with pure water sitting in the heater core n engine block.. then you wouldnt get that out!! whatever you get out when u pull out the glug is what you get.. then just mix the new coolant 50/50 fill it up.. leave the reservoir cap off and rev it at about 2500rpms.. till the engine temp goes to normal operating temp and the thermostat opens.. actually another thing you may want to replace if it hasent been done in a while is your thermostat.. might as well while the coolant is out.
after the thermostat opens you can top off your reservoir and put the cap on.

[bobcat]

Originally posted by SLAMMED_C
.. actually another thing you may want to replace if it hasent been done in a while is your thermostat.. might as well while the coolant is out.
.


I agree. MB coolant is the best way to go.


About the thermostat.... how easy is it to replace? Where
exactly is it located on the '99-model? Thanks in advance
for any info.... :)

[moebiusgold]

Thermostat is a DYI easy job. I've been told you can also run Ethylene Glycol based coolant but I'd stick to MB for all of the Horror Stories I've heard.

[bobcat]

since not all 100% of the coolant will be flushed out,
how many bottles of MB coolant should I buy?

Sice they have to be mixed with water, what kind of
water is best for this purpose? My house doesn't
have tap water, only filtered ground water.(driniking
quality) Or should I get Dasani or Evian? :) :) :) :) :)

[marksbenz]

Zerex G05 disame formula as Mercedes coolant. They sell it at Pepboys or Autozone. 1 gallon should be fine. Tap water should be ok too. Just mix it 50/50. I also put Redline water wetter mix with coolant.

[Andrew C280]

I was at the local parts store they have special stuff for flusihng a radiator I was wondering if that would be allright to make shure all the junk and old fluid

[moedigga]

Use distilled water and MB coolant ,also throw in a bottle of Redline Water Wetter. Stuff helps with rust an such ,also makes heat dissipate from coolant better= lower temps . How I have no idea.

[SpEeDy230]

I agree with everyone. if you want the best stuff use MB Coolant

[martattack]

Here's how I have done it in my other vehicles. Look in the manual to find out the capacity of the cooling system. Buy exactly half of that in coolant (MB coolant is suggested).

Drain as much as you can out. Remove the lower radiator hose, and spray water to backflush the cooling system. Once all the coolant is gone, you will only have water in the system. Pour exactly half of the capacity of thecooling system with coolant. Top the rest of it off with water. The thermostat may need to be burped as SLAMMED_C suggested. After you run it, check the tank and add water as necessary.

That should yield a 50/50 mix. This worked well in my previous cars, I'm not sure what kind of quirks would cause this not to work in a Benz. I'm going to try it out soon.

[SLAMMED_C]

About the thermostat.... how easy is it to replace? Where
exactly is it located on the '99-model? Thanks in advance
for any info...
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/2/web/266000-266999/266992_11_full.jpg

follow the top rad hose to the engine block.. in the pic where the 2 hoses go into the alluminum cover (thermostat housing) its under there.


since not all 100% of the coolant will be flushed out,
u will only need 1 jug of 100% coolant from the dealer.. (4L I believe) then when you mix it 50/50 you will have about 8L... but do save some of your old coolant to top up with.. you may need some extra. and with what water to use... just tap water.


I was at the local parts store they have special stuff for flusihng a radiator I was wondering if that would be allright to make shure all the junk and old fluid
I wouldnt recommend it.. jsut drain out whatever you can and repl with new.. thats what I do at work.. and have no problems with any of the benz's I've worked on.

[nokia8860]

I also just undo the drain plug on the radiator and just let it gush out.

I run 70% Distilled water 30% Sierra (I like it cuz of the commercials they used to do... ok im a tree hugger) and follow that with a bottle of ww.

:)

[moebiusgold]

One thing I can say for sure is use Distilled Water. Tap water has all sorts of minerals and chlorine. I worked for Harrison Radiator for 3 years and you should see what some of the fluid's contained when we analysed them on warranty repairs. Sulfur was always a good one (well water).

[Andrew C280]

well the reason I am asking about flushing is I am haveing a slight over heating problem only some times I and i am wonding if there is a block age in the radiator, i have allready dont the thermostat, I guess what I will do is just replace the fluid like you guys are mentioning, and oh man some of your water choices dont make sence ? why buy the good coolant and mix it with crap water ????

[nokia8860]

Originally posted by Andrew C280
well the reason I am asking about flushing is I am haveing a slight over heating problem


LMAO. Man we're not the bank's loan officer you should have told us your problem from the start :p

[LV202]

Zerex G05 is the same as MB. But if you want to feel better by paying more at the dealer be my guest.

Distilled water only.

Burp the engine with it running.

If it is overheating it could be a few different things. You'll need to list the symptoms and go through some checks to narrow down the problem.

[moebiusgold]

Correction,
I've been told by a few Chemist types that you should actually use bottled drinking water. It is less chemically reactive than distilled water. The problem with some tap water is that it has Chlorine in it. They all said it is still better to use tap water over distilled water. Hmm, looks like I've been giving bad advice on this for years.:(

[Andrew C280]

but in botteled water there are still minerals and they cant be good for cooling and i know most of the botteled water is from right around my neighbour hood in canada so the only difference from my tap water is the clorine and floride they add to the city water. Botteled water is a good idea i am going to check in to it.

[bobcat]

Originally posted by Andrew C280
but in botteled water there are still minerals and they cant be good for cooling and i know most of the botteled water is from right around my neighbour hood in canada so the only difference from my tap water is the clorine and floride they add to the city water. Botteled water is a good idea i am going to check in to it.

Speaking from past experiences, almost all of the MB dealer service departments that I've dealt with use MB coolant mixed with regular city tap water.

I decided to let my dealer do the job this time. $59(coolant and labor included) and they flushed the system twice. (three 1-gallon MB coolant used) Not a bad deal....

[Andrew C280]

maybe I am too old school even my dad said what are they nuts running regular water in coolant think of all the crud. i know some one is going to reply well if its safe to drink than it good for my engine too, i am going to swing buy the dealer ship tommorow i have friday off job 1 change the coolant, job 2 full car wax, well see how time permits black is so hard to keep clean.