BENZITCH

1989 420SEL Engine Temperature VS MPG

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I was driving the 89 420SEL the other day, and noticed the temperature guage, at idle would get to just below 80. I guess almost normal, but cruising or even just moving drops the guage down to 50 at best.

I also than took a look at the mileage. I was on an interstate I-95 and drove only highway. Givivng myself the benefit of a doubt, the car got a SIC 13 MPG.

2 questions?

1 Is the thermostat going bad or what should I look at?

2 Is the poor mileage related to the cooler engine temperature?

Thanks
Bruce
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Bruce

Untertürkheim

1. Probably
2. Yes

BENZITCH

With those answers you are either married or have kids! LOL

Thanks
Always like to have another ear.
Bruce

Untertürkheim

LOL, neither.

But I would avoid driving the car until the temp issue is resolved, operating temperatures that low will cause excessive engine wear.

On a side note, your Teal is one of my favorite MB colors, and the SEC one of my favorite cars, congratulations. Mine is Ivory, but I always have an eye out for another special 560SEC.

BENZITCH

Thanks I think it looks regal in teal.
And I am a sucker for an SEC for that matter all SEC and previous coupes.
Ivory is a little different also compared to the white and blacks.
What color interior do you have?

Untertürkheim

Palamino interior. I completely agree, the SECs are just fantastic cars, my one disappointment is that there has yet to be a diesel S coupe.

The thought of a 350SDC (with the revised rods of course) is quite appealing.

BENZITCH

Palomino here also. There is one in the northwest. The guy loved the car, but wanted diesel so it can be done.
Bruce

hineywineries

ENOUGH PERSIFLAGE

You really need to get that cold running checked out. You are staying in closed loop and adding tremendous wear to the engine. As an aside the 420 was one of the best cars MB ever produced.