nice write up John...if i do find a new radiator cheap...i may bring you some beers...LOL

 

Thanks for sharing

 

This is great info.

Thanks for sharing.

We need more people like you.

 

Yeah, kind of hard to tell, but if you know what to look for now - lack of the 'finger' crimping - that helps too. It's easier to see in person - I'll see if I can get a better pic. I think another tell-tale sign is the symmetrical ribbing extending to the top/bottom of plastic end tanks (around hose connections), which is absent on the Valeo.

 

I noticed some weird downshifts in my transmission that started last week and took my car to the dealer to get it checked out. The dealer diagnosed the problem to be a coolant leak from the radiator in my 2003 C230 Coupe that has contaminated the transmission.

I didn't know that this was a common problem in these cars until I started my research here.

This thread provided some great insight to the problem and possible fix. ( https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/231599-odd-transmission-shifts-any-ideas.html )

My car is currently in pieces at the dealer and they told me they want $9K to fix it which I won't even considered as the car is only really worth $12-13K at most. Now knowing that the transmission is contaminated, would a transmission flush be able to clean out most of the coolant/glycol contamination so the transmission will return to at least a decent working order for a while? If so, how and where can I get the transmission flushed? Seems like the problem started very recently and the car has not begun overheating yet, meaning the leak was still in the early stages. I will probably have the radiator/hoses replaced at the dealer.

Thanks in advance.

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=227090

 

Thanks for the info! I have been reading alot about this. I think I am just going to have the radiator replaced and a full flush performed and see where that takes me. This should tie me over till I find the time to trade it in. Don't want to take a chance on keeping it longer.

 

Thanks splinter !!!

 

Hello all - I have a question that I hope has a simple answer. I noticed today that I have a pretty steady leak of the red automatic transmission fluid leaking from the connection where the transmission cooling lines join with the radiator.

The metal hose goes into the radiator and there's a plastic housing that has a metal clip that seems to hold the hose in place. I've taken the clip apart and moved things around, but can't seem to find how to tighten the connection between the metal hose and the radiator.

Here's a pic. The connections are on the back side of the radiator on the left hand side of the car when you're facing the engine from the front. You can't see the metal tube, but it connects to the metal joint and runs back to the transmission.


Has anyone ever had this issue? Any ideas on how to tighten the connection to stop the leak?

Thanks!

 

There is no adjustment at those fittings per se, they’re either in and sealed – or not.

As you’ve seen, the ATF transfer tube is retained to the radiator fitting by that simple spring-loaded C clip. It’s likely a defective O-ring that seals the ATF tube’s fitting to the female receptacle in the radiator causing the leak.

My seal was MB # 003 997 17 89, although its specific number may vary by model.
Showing the grove in which the C clip fits to retain the fitting:




The radiator’s ATF fitting, showing its clip in the seated/sealed position:



source…https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html

 

Thanks Splinter! I was just reading through your DIY and was hoping that was it. I'm going to go to the dealer tomorrow to request the sealant ring... should be easy enough to replace. Thanks again for your help -- and great DIY.

 

yeah its probably the seal. i remember my top tranny line didnt even have c-clip and it didn't leak...lol.

 

Splinter has it right. But boy have I spent more than my share of time at this junction. When you put the new seal on, insure you have a good tight connection. Then put your clip in. Be mindful of the orientation of the clip. Prongs will face to the rear of the car.

Be careful where your transmission fluid level is out. It is an expensive piece to replace....

E

 

I had exactly the same problem with my 2003 S211. the metal hoses were rosted thus leaking ATF.. you have to be careful not to break the connection point on the radiator.. its made of plastic and alu.
my dealer was unable to losen the hoses, I ended up paying 600 Euro more for a new radiator.

mike

 

Thanks for this - I think mine has orange dots that you have to line up between the clip and the radiator.

 

Man, I really hope this isn't the case.... if it is, I may try Splinter's replacement DIY. I'll be careful to not crack the hoses when I pull them out to replace the o-ring.

 

Guys,
Ya may remember that when I flushed my tranny, the PN for the AMG C32 is different than the 2002 C230.
It's around here somewhere, I'll post it.

Here it is:
PN 0289776248- Oring "Seal" 2002 C230
An easy fix. You may need to pop the plastic rivets and remove a few bolts on the support on top of the radiator to get enough wiggle room to get in there.
Other than that, not to hard.
Shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour.

For a little informed reading on tranny's check my thread and pdf here.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...n-related.html

 

Thanks all for your help on this. I replaced the o-ring this morning, but when I started the car, I found that the leak was actually coming from where the metal housing meets the plastic radiator. My local dealer quoted me a $600 for a radiator swap ($200 for a DIY is much better). Anyway, I went to autozone and found some cement that fixed the leak (for now).

-- Daniel

 

MB's procedure for flushing ATF owing to Glycol contamination...

 

very informative post like usual john.

 

My mechanic just called and told me I need to replace my radiator...I got a place to get the radiator and wondered if anyone ever replaced one or should I just have him do it to be safe. btw I got the whole weekend free.

m.

 

only when it leaks ....what happened to your ??

Andy

 

transmission oil leaking into it...going to talk to the mechanic today.

 

If you're a good DIY'er, it shouldn't be a problem. Splinter has a write up on replacing the radiator, very informative. Also, looking at the year and model of your car, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to swap it out anyway. There is a star bulletin in regards to the Valeo radiator that had problems with Glycol contamination of your ATF. That is of course if you have an automatic transmission.

EDIT: Here you go, here is Splinter's write up on replacing the Radiator.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...placement.html
Also, you may want to take this time to maybe to a tranny flush or at least drop the trans pan and replace the filter and fluid. How many miles are on your car?

 

Weren't people saying that the dealer would replace them for free b/c it was a recall?