OK, I really want to change the radiator fluid and so a prestone flush either this or next weekend. Any pointers? Directions? DIY?
I want to use the prestone flush because I have had really great results with that stuff in the past. I had a 1995 E300D up until recently. It was overheating and upon closer examination I found that the radiator had several large cool spots. This basically meant that some of the lines/passages were clogged up (RUST). Every place I took it I was told that the radiator had to be replaced. I thought what the hell and picked up a bottle of the Prestone's radiator super flush and followed directions but I left that stuff in there for about a week instead of just letting it get to operating temp and then i drained it and put in the Zerex. There was absolutely NO cool spots on the radiator anymore and the car never heated again.
I am sure that even with our yellow stuff, there STILL can be some rust elements forming in our radiators and this prestone flush would dissolve and get it out. Couldn't hurt right?
I know how to do a flush on a W124 but Now I need some pointers on how to do a flush on a W210.
BTW, my friends (all doctors) have a good laugh at my expense when they find out that I like to turn the wrench on my car for novice stuff but I am damn proud of the fact that I am learning it myself and doing it myself and I actually enjoy it. I wouldn't even think about trying to do something more involved but little things still give me the feeling of accomplishment. I also feel that the more comfortable I get doing little things, the more comfortable I will get starting to do bigger and bigger things. Here's to all the DIYers and a big thanks to all those who help in the spirit of helping!
Thanks!
I am sure that even with our yellow stuff, there STILL can be some rust elements forming in our radiators and this prestone flush would dissolve and get it out. Couldn't hurt right?
I know how to do a flush on a W124 but Now I need some pointers on how to do a flush on a W210.
BTW, my friends (all doctors) have a good laugh at my expense when they find out that I like to turn the wrench on my car for novice stuff but I am damn proud of the fact that I am learning it myself and doing it myself and I actually enjoy it. I wouldn't even think about trying to do something more involved but little things still give me the feeling of accomplishment. I also feel that the more comfortable I get doing little things, the more comfortable I will get starting to do bigger and bigger things. Here's to all the DIYers and a big thanks to all those who help in the spirit of helping!
Thanks!
Hey, Designo. I know what you mean; now that I'm in IT I don't get quite as many raised eyebrows when they hear I take care of maintenance and repairs on my car (there are still some, because lots of IT folks are great with PCs but don't understand cars AT ALL, and the others because I guess they assume if you own a benz you take it in ???) but when I was practicing law it was definitely more of a head-turner. But I say CONGRATS to you for doing so.
Re: the flush, personally I'd only use it if your car hasn't been properly maintained in the past. The newer coolant is supposed to be vastly superior on all fronts, and if it's been regularly flushed there shouldn't be any deposits. The only downside to using the flush would be if there were some reason you couldn't get it all out, and there might be enough little valleys and passages that might be tricky; probably not good to flush that much water and chemicals into the street. I guess if I were you I'd simply drain everything out, flush it with water, and then maybe pop the thermostat out (new gasket needed of course, maybe even change the 'stat?) and if there's any evidence of corrosion, then you could call an audible at that time. Otherwise I'd just fill it up with a proper mix of coolant and call it a day.
I would suggest you not forget to flush out your recovery tank with fresh water, for some reason those things tend to catch most of the garbage.
Me, I'm stuck. Coolant is a hazardous waste in CA, so you have to capture it all and dispose of it within the confines of CA's enviro laws, so that's one for which I just take it in. Too hard to flush with just water, because then you end up with several gallons of "hazardous waste" instead of a couple. And while stores here take oil, you have to pay to get rid of coolant. (sigh...)
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom.
When you fail to learn from any mistakes, that's government.
Me, I'm stuck. Coolant is a hazardous waste in CA, so you have to capture it all and dispose of it within the confines of CA's enviro laws, so that's one for which I just take it in. Too hard to flush with just water, because then you end up with several gallons of "hazardous waste" instead of a couple. And while stores here take oil, you have to pay to get rid of coolant. (sigh...)
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
The neighbor's back yard is looking very tempting!
I disconnected the lower radiator hose when I did mine and got all but about a quart or so out. Measure what comes out and see if you're satisfied. I was. I flushed it with clean water a couple of times and added the correct amount of MB coolant, a bottle of Water Wetter and then topped it up with water.
I disconnected the lower radiator hose when I did mine and got all but about a quart or so out. Measure what comes out and see if you're satisfied. I was. I flushed it with clean water a couple of times and added the correct amount of MB coolant, a bottle of Water Wetter and then topped it up with water.
Len
Which is a better product? Water wetter or purple ice?
Needs DIY on radiator fluid change. 
Linear Mode
