Engine Coolant Temp too low
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Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 83
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Engine Coolant Temp too low
Hey Guys,
I have a 2006 MB c230SS (my second w203) and I love it. I just picked it up 2 weeks ago and the weather was pretty decent up till today. I live in NJ and tonight the temp dropped to 21 Degrees F. I noticed that the temp when the engine is warmed up is normal, but when I drive at speeds between 60-80 for over 2 minutes the engine temp drops to about 50-60 Degrees. Do you think I need to change the coolant? It sounds like it might be diluted with too much water and is freezing but I figured It couldn't hurt to poll you guys before I do anything. The car was a California Car btw, if that makes any difference.
Thanks!
I have a 2006 MB c230SS (my second w203) and I love it. I just picked it up 2 weeks ago and the weather was pretty decent up till today. I live in NJ and tonight the temp dropped to 21 Degrees F. I noticed that the temp when the engine is warmed up is normal, but when I drive at speeds between 60-80 for over 2 minutes the engine temp drops to about 50-60 Degrees. Do you think I need to change the coolant? It sounds like it might be diluted with too much water and is freezing but I figured It couldn't hurt to poll you guys before I do anything. The car was a California Car btw, if that makes any difference.
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
When the ambient temperature is so low, 21F, the coolant will quickly give up heat, especially to freezing air being forced through the radiator. If the temperature drops too low, the thermostat should close to retain engine operating heat. The Celsius scale is used on the gague in your instrument cluster. 50 to 60C is about 120 to 140F. Some really cold places cars all sport a "jacket" over the grill to keep the engine warmer.
A competent shop can use an optical device to determine the coolant concentration. There is no reason to change the coolant unless it measured ineffective.
I would check the thermostat. The Germans are famous for their lack of ability to make durable engine sensors.
A competent shop can use an optical device to determine the coolant concentration. There is no reason to change the coolant unless it measured ineffective.
I would check the thermostat. The Germans are famous for their lack of ability to make durable engine sensors.
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late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Get hold of an OBDII scanner & look for a stored P0128 code which will tell you if you need a new thermostat. Benz thermostats fail open.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
