PJmak

Any quick fix failing points around this area where the upper hose is by driver headlight?


Car started spraying out of there from what seemed like a small crack or hole. Couldn't tell what it was need to diagnose more.

I was just wondering if there is something common that'll fail there like a clamp or clip or what not before I order a new radiator or does the radiator usually crack somewhere around there?

Robjr

PJmak......

A couple of years ago, mine was starting to leak at the hose (like you're showing) but also the side tank just below that hose. So, they got replaced in one fell swoop! MB stealer wanted a bunch. I bought the radiator & hose wholesale and did the job myself. End of story!

Good luck, my friend...

Rob

PJmak

Thanks man.


I ended up ordering the radiator. I really didn't want to do the job and the timing of this is not the best. I was hoping for a quick fix

Robjr

PJmak......

Please tell me when cars' take into consideration our timing?....lol

Rob

PJmak

True lol but its hittin 100 degrees every day here now and I got a baby on the way in a few weeks. Down to one car

Robjr

PJmak......

Congrats on the new baby (boy ? girl ?)!!! Cars come last, Mom & kids are always first and foremost!
I've got two as my son is the oldest at 44 in 2 weeks - he has 2 sons 4 & 7 years and his 1st daughter is 25 years); my daughter is 36 (1st grandson due in December 2021) and they're planning on two more.

Good luck with the newborn and it looks like the C43's going to be put into service........

Be safe and well......

Rob.....

P.S. Happy Father's Day.......a very apropos sentiment given your pending new arrival..........

PJmak

Thank you and happy Fathers day to you as well.

Thats a good size family there. This is our second one(both boys).

First one is almost four. Luckily we have a suv to carry us around but yea......someones gonna have to keep these older amgs running for the next few decades . Hoping the boys develop interest for it

PJmak

Swapped the radiator today.

I swear all the screws and clips took longer to doeal with and do in specific order than radiator part itself.


No need to remove the bumper but the grille has to come off.

-remove both hood latches
-undo hood stops and unscrew upper radiator support
-lift radiator support towards front of car and unclip the rubber fan shroud, wire for horn, and hood latch wires.
-remove horn
-remove two screws holding ac lines onto the radiator support
-unscrew radiator support from the back of the front crash beam below the grille area
-lift entire radiator support out
-undo top hose by driver headlight leading to the thermostat
-drain coolant from red plug driver side bottom
-undo bottom radiator hose on the passanger side. More coolant will come out but not a lot
-undo transmission lines and immediately raise them upto not loose a lot of trans fluid
-unplug electric fan bottom passanger side. Push clips on each side of fan and separate it from radiator then pull it up.
-radiator is clipped onto the ac condenser on each side at the top. Push in the clips.

Radiator is free now and can be pulled out. Dont forget to remove bottom rubber cups that fit into the frame of car where the radiator sit. They can get stuck onto the bottom legs of the old radiator.

Robjr

PJmak......

A very solid explanation of the R&R process. Well done!!!

Rob

PJmak

Thanks Rob. Was getting a bit frustrating when putting the radiator support back on. You have to do a lot of things in specific order.

Car takes one gallon of coolant + one gallon of water(preferably distilled)

Robjr

PJmak....

Unless you do this for a living, the process can be tedious and somewhat frustrating. Even if you have WIS/ASRA, the R&R explanations can be vague. For us diy guys/gals, working on cars causes gray hair! lol

Rob

PJmak

Very true my friend.

This is where the radiator failed btw. Upper hose mounting poing by the driver headlight.

Robjr

PJ Mac… That’s exactly where mine failed, too! Must’ve been made by the same factory worker on a Friday… LOL Rob