dswclk500

Good morning,

So since January my 2006 CLK 500 has been running low on coolant, I received the warning single back in December/January. I took it to my mechanic and he said apparently there is a leak somewhere, so we will need to replace the radiator. I am not a mechanic so I asked what makes him think its the radiator. In my mind I am thinking there is obviously a hole in the tank or something. But he explained to me why the radiator needs to be replaced and I totally forgot what he said. So fast forward and we are here in April. I have been putting coolant in it more frequently and apparently the hole or the leak has gotten severe because typically when I put the coolant in the check coolant light disappears but a couple weeks ago that changed. So yesterday I noticed my temperature started to rise to 100 and a new warning came on the dash with the temperature gauge saying coolant take to workshop. I noticed the temperature rising and going down during my drive home it went from 80 to 100 no more than 110. So I read somewhere that you can put distilled water in there so that is what I did this morning on my way to work, and by the time I made it to work my car was smoking. WHAT THE HELL DID I DO? Is it my water pump or do I need a new radiator? I am so confused, I am fortunate to be in a position to get it fixed but I just want to get an idea what the hell is going on.

PLEASE HELP:r eport::rep ort:

megacrazy

So you overheated your car because you didn't listen to your mechanic and replace the radiator. Take it back to the mechanic and let them replace the radiator. Hopefully overheating the car did no additional damage.

dswclk500

Looks like it..but is it indeed my radiator or my water pump. Also can I at least go buy some coolant and put it in to get to the mechanic?

Rudeney

If it's leaking that quickly, you should be able to see the leak. Common leaks are at the coolant reservoir: the nipple where the small hose connects on the side can crack and leak, and it's seal (between the black and white sections) can leak. Another common leak that can be hard to find is the water pump. It often leaks behind the pulley and drips down the block and evaporates. Radiator leaks are less common but do happen.

dswclk500

it was smoking near the radiator..so right now my mechanic believes it's the radiator but will so further testing

MacVidMB-V8

Pop open the hood and have a look.

You have a better view than we do.