evanswan

My 03 C32 is eating coolant up fast. For the last 2 1/2 months I have used 2 full bottles of oem benz coolant. the coolant low light comes on after about 2 weeks and needs refilled. I checked for any coolant on the garage floor. I have looked for leaks and listened the best I could. I also filled up the resevior tank one day and accidently the little foil cover when you take the cap off the coolant bottle went right into the resevior and I couln't fish it out. Should I try a flush, or can the radiator be messed up. Please help with any ideas or suggestions.

raymond g-

Mechanic should be able to perform a 'leak down' test. they pressurize your
system, then watch gauge for signs of hairline fracture in head gasket...or
bigger leaks. once confirmed, they'll need to isolate source. has your exhaust
given you any indications of coolent ?

bumpnzx3

check the oil- see what that looks like. that's a good way to self test if a head gasket or intake gasket could be leaking. a leakdown test is the best way- but checking the oil is a good way to DIY.

evanswan

What should I look for with the exaust, and will the oil look bad if there is a gasket leak. Sorry guys I'm still a novice with most of this stuff.

bumpnzx3

exhaust would most likely have a smell to it- faint smell of coolant (in my opinion of cars i have seen this on in the past). it might also have a white'ish smoke.

the oil will look like it has some milky swirls in it- ranging from white'ish to faint green'ish. the oil would, depending on the level of coolant lost, register as being way overfilled and have bubbles in it.

bumpnzx3

a head gasket and intake gasket could have two different kinds of leaks. 1) external- you would see the coolant in the engine bay or on the floor. 2) internal- the coolants is either leaking into the air intake or cyclinders and being burned off (smoke/smell in exhaust) or leaking into the oil passages (contaminated oil).

tbenz

with that much coolant lose you need to bring it to the dealer before it gets worse

wawy

Your intercooler core is probably busted or cracked an leaking coolant into the intake runners. A common problem with C32s. If you do a search for intercooler core, low coolant etc you should find a lot of information about it as well as pictures................

neihouma

Could have a air pocket in the cooling system, run the car w/the reservoir
cap off, and see if it goes down, if it does fill it to full and cap it off while
the car is running.

03MBC32

There have been some reports from other forum members of the intercooler leaking coolant into the intake manifold. This in another area to explore.

wawy

Here is a thread with some good info on this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...tercooler+core

bumpnzx3

i forgot i was i the c32 section. i was just thinking of ideas for a NA engine. i have read several things before about the IC leaking.

m444

Most likely intercooler core, which lists for about $1900. Mine was replaced for leaking at around 39k miles. Need to remove the supercharger to replace, since it is mounted on the underside of the blower.

Pull off one of the intake surge tanks, look inside the ports, you will see crusty burnt coolant on the inside.

Leaking that much coolant it must be the intercooler.


Only a very small of coolant from the radiator to the transmission would goof up the shifting.

MB_Forever

I agree, with that much loss in coolant levels, things can start to get really bad. Is your car still under warranty or any extended warranty?

Eurocharged Rick

it is either the intercooler core leaking or a bad Valeo radiator that is leaking coolant into the transmission...either way get it checked asap! don't drive the car anymore because if it is the transmission, you can kiss it goodbye if you continue to drive it...

Jons95c36amg

Geez 2 gallons of MB coolant in 2 1/2 months! My C36 maybe used 2 cups of coolant in a year.

BenzoAMGpower

If your car is under warantee take it in... save your mechanic some trouble and tell him its time to replace the supercharger. Correct me if I'm wrong but I dont htink they sell the heat exchanger peice under the s/c by itself. The heat exchanger under the supercharger is most likely where the leak is. I've seen this on several C32s in Miami.

Vadim @ FD

Evan, I hate to say, but it does sound like an intercooler. The only way to fix it is to replace it. Mine went before and I tried to patch it, weld it and even epoxy it. Still leaked.

If you want to bring it by, I can tell right away by simply removing one of the surge tanks.