Need more heat this winter - Benzworld.org

erc22 · 11-07-2004, 08:01 PM

I purchased my '87 190E 2.3 in July '03 and drove it frequently last winter in teens to below zero temps on the interstate. Under those conditions the engine temp remained around 60 degrees C or even a bit lower. As a result, the amount of warm air was lacking. I tried to partially block the flow of cold air thru the radiator by inserting a piece of thin plywood behind the grill. That helped some but I would like to improve upon that for the upcoming cold temps. Looking for some suggestions.

Thanks,

erc22

pierre2 · 11-10-2004, 01:14 PM

have you tried using a block heater?

erc22 · 11-10-2004, 01:54 PM

I understand block heater to mean a type of electrical coil heater that is screwed into the engine block and contacts the coolant. It keeps the engine coolant warm when the vehicle is parked overnight and makes it easier to start in the morning. I need something to keep the engine temp higher when I'm driving.

Are you referring to something else?

Thanks,

erc22

bgoin · 11-10-2004, 08:57 PM

1). Check the thermostat to see if it is always open, which it should not be.
OR
2). Change to a thermostat that is rated "hotter".

theairboy · 11-12-2004, 01:26 AM

yes t-stat

It woudn't hurt to back flush your heater core and make sure your axillary water pump is working.

That will maximize the amount of heat you do have.

erc22 · 11-12-2004, 07:39 PM

Thanks for the information. Please explain how to back flush the heater core and make sure the auxiliary pump is working. Also, how do I check to see if the thermostat is always open?

theairboy · 11-13-2004, 01:53 AM

Well it is a better policy to just change the t-stat. but if its stuck open you will feal hot or warm water at the top of the radiator long before it should be open EI 50-60 deg. and if you remove it you can see its partialy open.

also when the car is hot turn the heater on and feel the heater hoses and see wich one is cooler. that is the one you want to put the garden hose on. be sure to remove it from the aux.water pump.
also you need to make sure the heater valve is open or it will restrict the flow.

when you have the t-stat out that is the time to fill the block with coolant then install the t-stat and finish fulling in the expantion tank. if you dont know what the aux. water pump looks like look at some online parts stores in the cooling system sections for a pic of it.

if this sounds like to much info you may want to just have a good shop do this for you.

P/S dont use the green coolant use the good stuff