coolant check
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12
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From: orlando,fl
1996 e320
coolant check
How do you check the coolant in the overflow tank if there is a tab on the cap that only lets you turn it about half way? It doesn't let you remove the cap to check and i don't see anywhere else to install coolant. Waiting to pick up my kids at school for close to 15 minutes in line i noticed some smoke and coolant smell coming from under the hood. There was no coolant light coming on and the needle was just under the 120 marker.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 525
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From: the Netherlands
'01 W210 E320 CDI
Welcome to these forums!
The tab is a safety so the cap doesn't blow off incase of boiling coolant. Twist the cap beyond the tab and it'll come off. What sometimes happens is the rubber gasket and spring in the cap get stuck, and once you've had overpressure the coolant keeps 'sweating' out. A new cap is only a few bucks at the dealer.
I would investigate why it seems to have overpressure, check if your cooling fans activate etc.
The tab is a safety so the cap doesn't blow off incase of boiling coolant. Twist the cap beyond the tab and it'll come off. What sometimes happens is the rubber gasket and spring in the cap get stuck, and once you've had overpressure the coolant keeps 'sweating' out. A new cap is only a few bucks at the dealer.
I would investigate why it seems to have overpressure, check if your cooling fans activate etc.
thats overheating territory! get your cooling system checked out asap!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: orlando,fl
1996 e320
I took a pic of the cap to help you better understand my dilemma. The stop on the cap is molded to the cap and there's a stop on the overflow tank right next to the hose. check my photo album for pic.
