But seriously, yours is a good idea. I would appreciate it if you would mention which coolant tester you are using. I know we can buy dipsticks and compare color change to a chart, but what do you use please?
Color of Antifreeze
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
1997 s320, 1997 e320
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 416
Likes: 6
From: Reno 911
2008 S63 AMG Designo Edition
That tester only tells the boiling point and freezing point for your current "mix". I found some ph level test strips that determine alkalinity and acidity. Is this what you others are talking about? I dont see how the turkey baster type can tell if your coolant is "good" or needs to be replaced.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
That tester only tells the boiling point and freezing point for your current "mix". I found some ph level test strips that determine alkalinity and acidity. Is this what you others are talking about? I dont see how the turkey baster type can tell if your coolant is "good" or needs to be replaced.
Red, you are correct that these testers only tell you the approximate ratio of gycol to water. That determines the freezing point and boiling point of the coolant. Whether the necessary corrosion inhibitors are present would require a lot more chemical analysis. Manufacturers predict about how fast those degrade and then recommend a service cycle which replaces them in time. Hence the 3 year change out.
With the W211, MB changed the cycle from 3 years to 15 years using the same antifreeze fluid. Seems like something must have changed in the cooling system. If not, maybe we (W210) can go longer as well.
Last edited by RichardM98; Feb 11, 2010 at 05:53 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 416
Likes: 6
From: Reno 911
2008 S63 AMG Designo Edition
Thanks Richard. So I guess the big question now is what did they change in 2011 that made them lengthen the amount of time for replacement?
MBTech....as long as it passes what?
MBTech....as long as it passes what?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 541
Likes: 22
From: USA
10 speed bicycle
Both the 210 and 211 have plastic tanks on the sides of the radiator.
As far as testing; hydrometer test-tells the freezing point, and the test strips, which can give you a pH reading.
As far as testing; hydrometer test-tells the freezing point, and the test strips, which can give you a pH reading.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: So Cal (GETTING OUT SOON!)
97 Dodge Ram 4x4
Sorry to Ressurect this post
I bought a 97 that had sat in a garage untouched for 11 years. Anyone have any suggestions as to fluid changes all around?
I had to drain the Window Washer reservoir because there was rubber deteriorated inside. When I picked some out it felt like jello and disintegrated in the fingers. I took the reservoir out of the car, scrubbed it out, and reinstalled it. Needs new washer fluid also now. Is any washer fluid acceptable, or is there a recommendation for that too. Thanks.
Cant wait to start motoring!!
- Coolant
- Engine Oil
- Trans Fluid.
I had to drain the Window Washer reservoir because there was rubber deteriorated inside. When I picked some out it felt like jello and disintegrated in the fingers. I took the reservoir out of the car, scrubbed it out, and reinstalled it. Needs new washer fluid also now. Is any washer fluid acceptable, or is there a recommendation for that too. Thanks.
Cant wait to start motoring!!
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: So Cal (GETTING OUT SOON!)
97 Dodge Ram 4x4
Should I replace all the fluids I mentioned? I am really looking for advice. This MB is a new venture. Every other vehicle I have owned and maintained had no where near the rigid guidelines as this make. So I want to do it right and make it last.
