Coolant in the oil :(
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 74
Likes: 7
2002 C32
Well, at 240k miles something like this can happen. The oil cap has the chocolate milk on the inside. I see the 2 likely problems (other than head gasket) in the thread here, but I have a question: Is there a test to isolate which of those two issues I could have?
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
Oil cooler or radiator.
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
not really youd have to inspect your gaskets, the intermix happens on the inside of these components, not from the outside. As a BMW guy too, the intermix happens at the oil cooler typically. At that mileage if you haven't done the gasket I can almost guarantee it's that.
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 74
Likes: 7
2002 C32
OK - so the mechanic at our dealership thinks the moisture on the oil cap is condensation. He looked at the filter and saw no signs of coolant contamination. He did a pressure test and it lost about 4 lbs of pressure in 30 minutes. No leaks visible by inspecting above and below the engine bay. I got on it hard coming home from work to see if it was belching any white smoke from the exhaust. Nada. I guess I'll drive it and keep topping off the coolant as needed. 
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 74
Likes: 7
2002 C32
New coolant symptom (maybe). The outside temps here where I live are in the 40 degree F range. On the 15 mile freeway drive to work at 70-75mph my coolant temp never moves beyond 70-74 degrees C unless I speed up or get in a hilly portion of the road. In a traffic jam it goes to about 85 C. What range should the temp be holding (provided I have driven long enough to be up to normal operating temps)?
Thanks
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 442
From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
The thermostats in these open at 212 degrees F. Noting what you've said, it should be reaching normal operating temperature in that time. If it isn't, its probably stuck open. Thay doesn't do your engine any favours. Thermostats fail and they're cheap and easy to replace.
