Radiator Hose Replacement Interval?
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 22
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From: Southern Maine
2008 C300 Sport 6spd man.
Radiator Hose Replacement Interval?
Greetings all: Anybody have guidelines for renewal of radiator hoses on a PM basis? Car has always lived in relatively cold climate (PA and Maine). Our 2008 W204 Sport is now approaching 10 years old (manufacture date anyway). I'm suspecting the top (left) radiator hose as a potential first failure point. No visible cracks or bulges in the hose now - but there are o-rings on the ends that you can't see when assembled. Hate to spend $60 on that fancy molded hose if I don't have to, but don't want to be alongside the road steaming either! I'm planning on a PM coolant flush/change (OEM coolant, of course) and now is the time if I'm going to change any hose(s). Thoughts? Experiences?
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 94
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2008 C300
If no buldgeing or cracking they are probably ok - look for signs of coolant leak near connections (white crusting) - on the otheir hand - if you are going to keep the car another 8 years - and flushing the coolant anyway - might not be a bad idea to replace all the easy to reach hoses .... at some point you will have to do expansion tank, water pump , thermostat and radiator anyway ... so even hose replacement will not guarantee you are not at side of road - on my other cars - coolant tank itself is notmally first to go, followed by water pump .... and plastic bleed screws, t-connectors - rubber pipes have generally been ok - I did have a small leak from one I did replace - but easy to spot coolant residue at connector ....
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 701
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From: Ontario, Canada
2009 C63 AMG, 2010 C250 4Matic Sport
If you're worried about the cold/salt drying out the rubber hoses, treat them with a vinyl/rubber conditioner that is not petroleum based; they actually cause the rubber to decay over time. Silicone based conditioners work well
I've done this at the start of winter for the past two, hoses are like new.
I've done this at the start of winter for the past two, hoses are like new.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
In my experience rubber hoses are in good condition if they are soft & pliant.
Mine are nearing 10 years old & are in perfect condition.
It is wise to check them regularly when the engine is hot i.e. give a good squeeze looking for distortion.
I also run around the hose clips with a screwdriver to check for tightness. .
Mine are nearing 10 years old & are in perfect condition.
It is wise to check them regularly when the engine is hot i.e. give a good squeeze looking for distortion.
I also run around the hose clips with a screwdriver to check for tightness. .
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 290
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From: Weaverville, Ca
1992 MB 190E, 2016 MB C300
The coolant lasts 15 Years There are packets of chemicals in the expansion tank from the factory that dissolve over the 15 year period. This keeps the coolant effective over that time span.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 520
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From: Regina SK
2008 C-230 4Matic Sport
I had the dealer flush my system before I stored the car away for the winter and I wonder if they put something similar back in. That blue MB coolant as used but I am unsure if they added anything back in.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 22
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From: Southern Maine
2008 C300 Sport 6spd man.
Yes, "chemical packs in the expansion tank" is new to me - I would want to see documentation on that. The local stealer wanted to renew our coolant a couple of years ago - for some big dollars, of course (car had only about 40,000 miles on it and what - 5 years old!). I had heard that the M/B coolant was supposed to be good for 15 years, but I have some OEM coolant, and can do it myself. I'll call it cheap insurance. I see the expansion tanks a a "top selling" item on on-line retailers - will keep an eye on ours, as well as the hoses for now. Thanks all for the input!
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