GDawgC220

going to try and flush the coolant myself, as it hasn't been done in a while. While at it, goin to try and remove the old coolant thermostat and replace it with a new one I got from the dealer.

Does anyone know where the drain plug is? I assume at the bottom of the radiator? How big is the coolant tank? I know to mix 50/50, bought some Zerex G05 from NAPA, which is the same OEM MB coolant from dealers. The guy at NAPA said the tank is 2 gallons (8 quarts?)? Is this true? If so, I can throw in one jug of the coolant and fill it up with water then put that in the tank to mix, so 4 quarts coolant and 4 quarts coolant?

After draining the coolant, is it safe to use tap water to have it run through the system with the heater on high to flush out what's in the engine block? Or should distilled water be used? Where can I buy some distilled water?

Thanks guys!

GDawgC220

guess no one had the answer...but I did the coolant flush!

if anyone wants me to do a write up, let me know! simple and only costs about $25 total versus $95 from the dealer.

jfcarli

I have a 99 C280 and will have to do this myself or resort to the dealer. Can you detail the job for me. Thanks in advance.

JC

GDawgC220

no problem. I'm assuming the drain plug is going to be in the same area as the older w202s.

1) Jack front end of car up using ramps or jack stands.

2) Open up coolant reservoir cap. Make sure coolant is warm, not hot.

3) lay underneath front end of look to the left of the radiator. There should be a red plug. Above that red plug, there should be a little "spout" or hose "nipple" that sticks out. That's where your coolant is going to come out.

4) Twist the red plug till coolant starts coming out. Drain into some sort of container. It'll take a few minutes to get all the coolant out. Once it's all drained out, screw the plug back in so nothing will come out.

5) Once it's out, fill back up with distilled water till it can't take anymore. Then start the car up and put the heater/defroster on HI setting for about ten minutes. During this period as well, rev to 2500 at times to get the temp of the water up. Once it reaches 80 degree's (which is about 10 minutes) shut off the car. Wait a few minutes for the water to cool down.

6) Drain the distilled water out and keep in mind how much came out. Close the drain plug back up once your done.

7) Pre-mix the coolant, 50/50 mix. You can either get the coolant from your MB dealer parts dept or go to NAPA and pick up Zerex G 05 coolant (same as what MB dealer sells except in MB jugs). Remembering how much came out when you drained the distilled water, 50 of that will be coolant and the other will be distilled water. So say 1.5 gallons came out, mix .75 gallons of coolant and .75 of distilled water, if you want exact 50/50 mix. Or, it's better to just pour in the gallon jug of coolant and then the rest distilled water.

8) close the cap back up and then make sure everything is tight. No leaks or such. Lower car off the ramps or jack stands.

9) Start car and go for a drive, 'bout 10 minutes or so to get the coolant temp up. Keep an eye on the temp, make sure it's not over heating or anything. If it's at about 80 degrees, your all set. No problems.

10) Your Done!

jfcarli

thanks for the info.

will be doing this soon!

thanks,

jc

trbo2nr

Great write-up. Thanks!

GDawgC220

no problem guys. glad it's helping out for some DIY tasks