[Fluteguy]

Ok since I already blew a gasket (figuratively) about a possible heater core leak in my 1992 500SL I've calmed down and need to ask a question or two. Most people I've talked to say that the heater core leaks INSIDE the car on the passenger side. The coolant puddle is on the floor underneath the center of the car about where the gearshift is. The passenger compartment is dry Could it possibly be something else??? This all started when serpentine belt was screeching and my mechanic removed the upper radiator hose to access the pulley. Some coolant was lost which was filled up. The screech is gone but the leak started right after. Any chance it would be something else ????


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[Fluteguy]

Anybody?????


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[roncallo]

Ok since I already blew a gasket (figuratively) about a possible heater core leak in my 1992 500SL I've calmed down and need to ask a question or two. Most people I've talked to say that the heater core leaks INSIDE the car on the passenger side. The coolant puddle is on the floor underneath the center of the car about where the gearshift is. The passenger compartment is dry Could it possibly be something else??? This all started when serpentine belt was screeching and my mechanic removed the upper radiator hose to access the pulley. Some coolant was lost which was filled up. The screech is gone but the leak started right after. Any chance it would be something else ????


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If its not inside the car it could very well be something else. Is it antifreeze or possibly water. Any chance you were using the AC?

 

[Fluteguy]

No it's definitely coolant


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[Fritha78]

When I picked up my car after having my evaporator changed I drove it a few miles to lunch. When I came back out for the drive home there was more water under the car than expected. It appeared to be the same location as the A/C drips after driving. I took it back and they pulled the passenger side airbag and were able to look in and see that it was leaking from the connection to the heater core. All fixed now but my point is you may be able to see where it's leaking if you pull the passenger side airbag.
Doug

 

[Poundy]

Interesting you had a rad hose removed. Last year my coolant level started to drop slightly over a period of 2 -3 months but I didn't see any leaks, eventually it appeared on the garage floor under the back of the engine and near the transmission. The culprit turned out to be a loose hose at the front of the engine the one near the thermostat. The leak was holding in the manifold area until there was enough to spill over at the back. I found it by pressurizing the system and searching around with my 10mm x 800mm newly acquired inspection camera Very useful piece of kit

 

[Clarkz71]

If the heater core is leaking at the pipe connections
It could drian out through the A/C drains.

You need to have your shop pressure test the system
then raise the car on a lift to see if that's where it's coming from.

I would have replaced the heater core at the same time on a 20 year old car.

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[aam]

If you have a core leak you should be able.

1. Smell it.

2.You should have windshield fog.

Do You?

Regards,
aam.

 

[Fluteguy]

There is a faint (almost undetectable) coolant odor. No fog on windows or coolant in the car.

Yesterday I backed the car out and cleaned up the coolant that was on the floor. This morning there was nothing on the floor so I drove the car to work. I had filled the reservoir up to the bottom of the neck.

Some years ago told me on my S500 to only fill it up to the place where the clear part ends and the black begins. I had filled it up all the way. Did I maybe overfill it??????

 

[LWB250]

There is a faint (almost undetectable) coolant odor. No fog on windows or coolant in the car.

Yesterday I backed the car out and cleaned up the coolant that was on the floor. This morning there was nothing on the floor so I drove the car to work. I had filled the reservoir up to the bottom of the neck.

Some years ago told me on my S500 to only fill it up to the place where the clear part ends and the black begins. I had filled it up all the way. Did I maybe overfill it??????

Yes.

It should only be filled to the seam between the top and bottom of the tank.

Dan

 

[RKH]

Yes.

It should only be filled to the seam between the top and bottom of the tank.

Dan

:thumbsup: That's what is said in the owner's manual.
So you had a simple case of coolant overflow, and that should not get inside the car.

 

[aam]

OK,
Let me explain.

The repairs you did have nothing to do with the leak/almost.

If you overfill the cooling system...... the cap will let the excess go in the EXTRA reservoir located in the fender, from there it hits the right side floor.

If the cap is bad, there will be more pressure in the system/weakest part leaks.
(This where the almost applies.)

Some models have hoses that go partial to the double fire wall, cabin, ending at the heater core nipples.

Now did you over pressure? YES.

The other applies to all.
Guys use only MB or Zerex 05 coolant.
OR......

Regards,
aam.

 

[rorypff]

""The other applies to all.
Guys use only MB or Zerex 05 coolant.
OR......

Regards,
aam.""

I couldn't agree more - all cooling problems will usually be associated with using the wrong coolant/antifreze

 

[Fluteguy]

I NEVER use ANYTHING other than coolant from Mercedes Benz. I've heard others say it doesn't matter but I don't care.


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[Pete S]

I used Zerex 05. Considering how it is recommended here so highly I doubt I will have any issues, also safe for aluminum cooling systems so should be fine, but can't criticize anyone one bit for using MB products.

 

[Clarkz71]

I NEVER use ANYTHING other than coolant from Mercedes Benz. I've heard others say it doesn't matter but I don't care.

Then your using G-05, unless you switched to the "NEW" MB blue coolant which is G-48

I used Zerex 05. Considering how it is recommended here so highly I doubt I will have any issues, also safe for aluminum cooling systems so should be fine, but can't criticize anyone one bit for using MB products.

There's a reason everyone recommends it, Zerex makes MB's coolant.

Read this MB documet, note what they call their coolant.

 

[Clarkz71]

Comments??

 

[Fluteguy]

I use the blue in my 500 SL and my "new" 2002 E 320


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[aam]

Comments??

Thanks,
For the valuable/proof.

Great job.

I like that.

Regards,
aam.

 

[Clarkz71]

Thanks,
For the valuable/proof.

Great job.

I like that.

Regards,
aam.

No poblem, I too wanted proof before I would use it in my M119 400E