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I have a coolant leak in a 2008 GL 320 CDI. It must be coming from the water pump or radiator. I’m in the process of moving right now and don’t have time to address so I’ve been filling up the reservoir once or twice a week alternating between distilled water and a blue Mercedes coolant. I need to buy some more coolant. Is there a more generic coolant I could buy rather than going to Mercedes?
Also curious if there is a common source on coolant leaks on the GL’s? This vehicle has just over 200,000 miles.
thank you.
Last edited by smiledr996s; Feb 23, 2022 at 07:50 AM.
Prestone makes a coolant that is good for all systems. One of the Indy's around here has been using it for decades and I use it in my BMW. It will also mix with any coolant that is already in there. Haven't had a need for it yet in the Merc, though, as I recently got some of the OE Pentofrost at a really good price.
I haven't heard of "common" leak spots that are specific to the OM642. But the radiator/hoses/fittings and water pump are common spots for any car as they age. Often you can fine the leak just by looking for the telltale "whitish" colored stains.
Zerex has a MB compatible coolant (G48 Blue) available at major parts chains.
even though you’re basically operating a total loss coolant system at the moment; now is not the time to mix and match by throwing green or orange coolants in, which would make the problem you’re having way worse by creating gels and sludge in the system.
however, you need to fix the leak because the system is now not operating under the pressure it’s designed to and will likely fail totally on interstate whatever with help far far away.
Last edited by Max Blast; Feb 23, 2022 at 06:15 PM.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
