laidbackkat

Crap.. It's confirmed anti-freeze in the tranny... I have no warranty left.. so I guess I'm stuck fixing it.. The torque converter is shuttering at 65 miles an hour but the transmission seems to be shifting fine.. I would love some input.. Here's what I think I'm going to do.. Put in new radiator.. drain and flush gently the lines and the torque converter.. Install new filter, adapter plug, washer.. and fill with exact amount of fluid I took out and check (I have read the great posts on here on how do this).. Using all mercedes brand parts.. and pray like hell the shutter goes away... any thoughts .. The worst I could be out is my time and $130 in fluid and such.. I guess I may have to replace the torque converter If thats even possible ...
p.s. I had the fluid tested at ammco for $30 dollars Dealer wanted $175 .. the test only went up to 75 parts per million and that's what my fluid showed.. Fluid is really dark too.. C230 coupe with 80K miles

thanks

ontmiss

You shouldn't change radiator. Buy and install separate radiator for transmission only and just close those openings for trans. on existing radiator, but you have to flush antifreez too. I'm thinking of instaling separate radiator for trans. just to be on safe side.

laidbackkat

awwww that's an idea .. I guess you have to find a good place to mount it though

ontmiss

That shouldn't be problem at all. I believe it comes with 2 plastic kind of clips that you just push it trough and attach to existing one in front. I'll go in garage to take some pics from my dodge caravan with that thing so you can get an idea.

C230 Sport Coup

You need to read the TSB.
https://mbworld.org/forums/2254029-post59.html
at the bottom of the thread is the pdf.

Note that MB considers up to 100ml PER LITER to be just hunky.
That would be 10% water out of 9 quarts, or about 1 quart, but they claim it's normal
due to condensation.
I don't think that's acceptable.
Don't bother trying to get the test kit from MB it comes in like 10 packs or something.
You can send a sample to http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ for $30.

That being said, if you are at 75 ppm, thats the same as 75/1000000 or rather .0075/100 or .0075% which may very well be normal, a very small amount. So if the Aamco test only goes to 75ppm and not above, than it's basically worthless.

If indeed you have the dreaded Valeo radiator, then yes, replace the radiator and do a full flush of the system. See here
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...things+related
If you have it, yeh, replace it for certain.

An easy way to tell if there's lots of water is to put a few drops into a heated frying pan and see if it spatters, like water in oil.

There is a post somewhere on replacing the radiator too I think from Splinter.
Getting a seperate cooler for the tranny doesn't sound like a good idea to me.
It's designed to bring the fluid up to 80c quickly and keep it there. not cool it.
Thats the optimal fluid temp.
Beside a new Behr rad is only $200.
Some custom setup is going to cost at least that much and likely just cause problems.

As far as adding fluid to replace what in there,
check the level 1st before you drain, get the tool, you're going to need it anyway.
$25 around somewhere, harbor tools or something like that.

If it does have over 10% coolant in the fluid, then the
tranny is likely to be overfilled, so check it 1st.
Also, the whole cooling system only holds like 5 quarts, so being 1 or more quarts off
would be noticeable.

rmeuropean has the best deal on MB approved fluid.
You'll need 13 quarts to do the full flush.
Do the orings while you're at it.

Good luck!

ontmiss

Here you go

C230 Sport Coup

You're not really comparing a Dodge Caravan to a Mercedes with a 722.6 tranny? Are you?


Can you tell me how to check the coolant level in my 1970 VW beatle?
he he.

laidbackkat

Thanks ontmiss.. for all the trouble.. I found a new behr here in Nashville for $201.. I think it's better to be safe then sorry latter.. Hey C230 Sport Coup ... thanks for all the info
This car has been a pain in the butt.. I love it but I hate it ..lol How can I tell if I have the Valeo radiator .. is it made in Fance or something.. maybe china ..lol

C230 Sport Coup

Pics are in the threads I posted for you to read and TSB.
Behr has a B logo, see pics.
TSB has a pic of the Valeo label and crimps.
B logo was on the bottom of mine.

You may not need a radiator, just a fluid change.
I have to laugh if Aamco uses a test that only tells you if you have
.007% water.
Any oil will have that.

laidbackkat

awwwww.. i got it now .. I should of read closer.. I will check to see which one I have..

C230 Sport Coup

Yes, hope you're getting it now...you would need 100,000 PPM to be what MB considers a problem.

80K, you're just getting broken in.
Fluid flush is a necessary evil.
There are just few things on this car that can lots of problems.
1. The leaky cam sensor which is currently a service campaign, ie Free. See thread on that. Left untreated kills car by filling the entire engine harness with oil.
2. Leaky orings on bottom of tranny, easily done while you're under the car, part is $7.
If left untreated kills the tranny computer under the seat.
3. The Valeo radiator. Destroys very expensive tranny, costs more than the car used.

Other than that follow the recommended maint. + the occasional tranny fluid flush, and all is good!
Engine is bulletproof.

laidbackkat

I got a certified Mercedes Tech that slipped me his indy business card when he looked at it on Friday... He seemed pretty knowledgeable and was pretty easy to get along with... He said he would Install everything and do the flush .. new fluid ..etc... for $200 ... He has a lift and I can help him to make sure everything is done right... What do you think.. I'm kind of tempted.. I just have to supply the parts.. Is it that hard of a job.. Don't really feel like rolling around in Trans fluid and antifreeze lol

C230 Sport Coup

Yeah, go for it, but I'd watch.
So, what does that include?
Is that just labor or does it include the fluid?
Hard to believe it includes the fluid.
Most mechanics just drain/fill the pan and replace the filter.
That only takes about 4 quarts.
Don't let him talk you into just replacing 4 quarts.
If you're tranny is acting up, you will need all of it replaced.
(I did at 120K was really bad. Still good at 160K, time to do it again, or at least
the pan and filter)

Doing the full flush calls for 13 quarts.
See my posts in my tranny thread with MB
full flush pdf.

Cheapest possible obtainable fluid is about 13 a quart + the filter + gasket+tax and shipping, so
I'd be very suspicious about him doing the FULL flush.
We don't have a drain plug on the torque convertor, which is why it's such a pain and
requires so much fluid.

Antifreeze, you just need 1 gallon of Zerex G05 + 1 gallon distilled water. Nothing else is for MB.
Well except MB coolant for 3x the cost.

The main advantage of doing it yourself is you know it was really done.

laidbackkat

Sorry I was looking at my Rad to see what type.. his price was for labor only .. I have to get the fluid and all the other parts including the connector that leaks .. he also said to get about 13 qts. and he said we needed to flush everything out to get the anti_freeze out... He seems pretty cool he spent 4 hours checking out my car on Friday and told them to charge me for an hour $125 ... I felt like I got a good deal.. He looked at my remote issue too.. U know the power antenna isn't working .. nice.. I already took it in for the camshaft sensor replace .. although they didn't replace the oily wiring harness like they said we found a little oil residue in the front computer compartment... I'm taking it back in after this tranny thing is resolve .. and raise a stink ... the dealership here sucks bad... I'm in Nashville .. originally from Southern Cali... : ) west coast rules lol oh yea that includes installing the radiator too

C230 Sport Coup

Sounds like a good deal.
I'd do it.
Saves a lot of work.
Easily worth 200.
And he sounds like a good guy.
You need to build a relationship with a mechanic you can trust.
Bring beer or something. ha.
I ply my guy with tequila on days my car isn't broken and visit socially so
i can call to ask questions from time to time.

Glyn M Ruck

The Valeo radiators that gave crap were made in France. Fit the Behr - don't mess with aftermarket coolers. Do a full service & flush on the tranny. You should be OK if the friction materials have not absorbed glycol. 75ppm is low contamination.

Here are change & flush methods

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...0flush1-1-.pdf
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...0flush2-1-.pdf

Glyn M Ruck

Here is radiator replacement from post #9

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/228327-diy-w203-radiator-r-r.html

magmac32

Had same problem with cracked trans cooler. Had rubber lines replaced, new radiator, and trans flushed with the expensive trans fluid. All is fine with no replacement of TC or any other trans work.

laidbackkat

Man ... thanks for all the input ... Very helpful .. There is hope after all .. "sniff sniff" I got to pickup that 6 pack of beer for sure.. drinking a few beers and watching someone work on my car sounds a lot better then laying under a car and getting a crip in my neck.. .. lol 160 k man I was giving up on this dog.. I went looking for cars yesterday... not that I can afford anything at this point ... Well you guys are great .. Of course there's no tag on my raditor I have to look for the cripping..

Glyn M Ruck

Your radiator obviously has a problem. Just toss it. Most Behr radiators available in the US are from South Africa & thus are cheap to buy.

By the way - use the latest spec fluid. Suggest you use Fuchs Titan 4134 - It's fully approved. A little cheaper than buying from the dealer.

ontmiss

I don't see much difference beside oil type and price

and for 1970 beatle, open the hood and if you immediately spot 24 case (BECK'S 0.5L), you are good to go

laidbackkat

Yea I think your right I will replace it.. just wish I knew for sure it was the velco rad.. I know one thing.. There can't be to much in the tranny because I've never put any anti-freeze in it in the three years I've owned it and the level looks perfect..

TemjinX2

trade it and get something else. Various other threads of glycol contamination, the transmission doesn't last too much longer even when you switch out the radiator.

Glyn M Ruck

75ppm is extremely low contamination. This has been caught very early. I don't of course know the general condition of the tranny & it's service history.

C230 Sport Coup

From what he's saying 75ppm is the max the Aamco test can read.
That being the case, it's just a marketing tool, since according to
MB up to 100 ml per liter, or 10% or to put it another way 100,000ppm
can be normal(? Thats too much to be "normal") and due to condensation.
75 ppm would definately be within the realm of condensation and
as such, Aamco is just using that test to rip people off.

Send a sample to Blackstone labs.
Check the pic in the TSB thread.
That should help you identify the radiator.
The tranny will shift like crap
if the fluid is shot and yours is 8-9 years old.

Don't forget to the tranny oring plug replacement and get that done when the tranny is drained.

Note that Blackstone's measurement for water doesn't go below .1 decimal place,, therefore the lowest
content their test would measure is 1000 ppm.

Glyn, so radiators in SA are inexpensive?
Does the same apply for beach front property in your neighborhood?
He he