Radiator DIY
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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2005 S500 Designo
Radiator DIY
I'm looking to do the radiator on the W220 either tomorrow or Monday to fix a leak. I looked for a good DIY, but neither youtube, nor the various Benz forums provided an answer.
I have all the tools, hoses, radiator parts I need, now all I need is the knowledge.
My main concern is the Transmission lines.
Will I have to top off the ATF fluid? Are there any special concerns with the ATF fluid?
Many Thanks!
I have all the tools, hoses, radiator parts I need, now all I need is the knowledge.
My main concern is the Transmission lines.
Will I have to top off the ATF fluid? Are there any special concerns with the ATF fluid?
Many Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 9
From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
If memory serves, and depending on your specific model, there may be a separate transmission cooler. If you do have to disconnect a transmission line, you'll only have to replace a small amount of ATF; certainly not quarts of fluid. If you are concerned, measure the transmission fluid level before replacing the radiator and after. Top off as needed.
As for the ATF itself, it should be red in color as opposed to blue for newer models. IMHO, for what little you would need to replace, if any, grab a quart of good quality ATF at your local auto parts.
Cheers,
Jeff
As for the ATF itself, it should be red in color as opposed to blue for newer models. IMHO, for what little you would need to replace, if any, grab a quart of good quality ATF at your local auto parts.
Cheers,
Jeff
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Palm Beach,FL
2000 S430, 2000 S500 Both Brilliant Silver!
Thread Starter
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2005 S500 Designo
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 224
2005 S500 Designo
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 224
2005 S500 Designo
If memory serves, and depending on your specific model, there may be a separate transmission cooler. If you do have to disconnect a transmission line, you'll only have to replace a small amount of ATF; certainly not quarts of fluid. If you are concerned, measure the transmission fluid level before replacing the radiator and after. Top off as needed.
As for the ATF itself, it should be red in color as opposed to blue for newer models. IMHO, for what little you would need to replace, if any, grab a quart of good quality ATF at your local auto parts.
Cheers,
Jeff
As for the ATF itself, it should be red in color as opposed to blue for newer models. IMHO, for what little you would need to replace, if any, grab a quart of good quality ATF at your local auto parts.
Cheers,
Jeff
How can I check the ATF model for the car? I fear I might have the 722.9, which is a ***** as I understand it?
I don't want to risk running low ATF fluid out of inability to measure/refill the Transmission fluid. This job may have to be delayed.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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2005 S500 Designo
I have the 722.9 7G tronic transmission.
The hubris of mercedes "Sealed Transmission".
I think I'm going to do the radiator with the Transmission Fluid flush. I bought a $4 siphon pump which should do the job of the mercedes 7g tronic prototype pneumatically powered device.
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From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
Very very important that you get the tranny fluid level right.
Dipstick is a must. Peculiar thing to use; doesn't go all the way in.
You have to measure the level after 20-30 miles preferably fast running. Car on level ground, and test with the engine running in neutral.
Nick
Dipstick is a must. Peculiar thing to use; doesn't go all the way in.
You have to measure the level after 20-30 miles preferably fast running. Car on level ground, and test with the engine running in neutral.
Nick
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 979
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2005 S500 Designo
Very very important that you get the tranny fluid level right.
Dipstick is a must. Peculiar thing to use; doesn't go all the way in.
You have to measure the level after 20-30 miles preferably fast running. Car on level ground, and test with the engine running in neutral.
Nick
Dipstick is a must. Peculiar thing to use; doesn't go all the way in.
You have to measure the level after 20-30 miles preferably fast running. Car on level ground, and test with the engine running in neutral.
Nick
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 433
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From: Palm Beach,FL
2000 S430, 2000 S500 Both Brilliant Silver!
The way I figure out the fluid level is after a drive and the car has been warm and up to normal temps for at least 20 mins, I make sure its on level ground, put her in park, wait ten secs, put her in reverse, wait ten secs, put her in neutral, wait ten secs, put her in drive, wait ten secs, put her in neutral, wait ten secs, put her in reverse, wait ten secs, put her in park.
Then make sure the dipstick is TOTALLY CLEAN and free from lint and debris, slide it down the dipstick tube slowly until it feels it cant go any lower, it should be sticking out maybe 10" (inches) I think.
Pull it out and get your level.
Then make sure the dipstick is TOTALLY CLEAN and free from lint and debris, slide it down the dipstick tube slowly until it feels it cant go any lower, it should be sticking out maybe 10" (inches) I think.
Pull it out and get your level.
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2005 S500 Designo
Oh god I've been looking at the 722.9.
THE STORY OF THE HUBRIS OF MERCEDES!
The story begins when for political reasons a 7 speed transmission seems like a good idea. Then mercedes sucks the cumulative dick of the automotive industry by blindly jumping on the bandwagon of "sealed for life transmission". Then, because they are mercedes, and surely they know what they're doing, they don't include a dipstick, or in fact even a dipstick tube! Because they are MERCEDES! and they know what they are doing!
As it turns out they were wrong. Very wrong. In fact, not only did they determine their transmission needed a flush at 40,000 miles, the fluid level was incorrect from the factory to begin with! Now with any other transmission both of these problems would be easily solved with a dipstick tube. Just drain it, use a funnel, and refill. Measure with the dipstick appropriately, then be happy.
But no. In fact what you need to do now, is replace the entire transmission oil pan while keeping the vehicle raised and absolutely level, use a special mercedes tool to violate the new pan, fill the system, then *while the car is raised*, start the engine, run through the gears, hook up the STAR diagnostic computer, use your special tool and keep violating the transmission, ensure the temperature is exactly 45 °C (not sure how the hell you do this, what if it's too high or low? Maybe bring ice?), remove the mercedes violator, and let the excess $20/liter oil *get wasted* until the appropriate level is achieved. If it's not continue mercedes violating, remove the violator, and see if the appropriate level has been achieved.
Then wonder why BMW took the #1 spot.
THE STORY OF THE HUBRIS OF MERCEDES!
The story begins when for political reasons a 7 speed transmission seems like a good idea. Then mercedes sucks the cumulative dick of the automotive industry by blindly jumping on the bandwagon of "sealed for life transmission". Then, because they are mercedes, and surely they know what they're doing, they don't include a dipstick, or in fact even a dipstick tube! Because they are MERCEDES! and they know what they are doing!
As it turns out they were wrong. Very wrong. In fact, not only did they determine their transmission needed a flush at 40,000 miles, the fluid level was incorrect from the factory to begin with! Now with any other transmission both of these problems would be easily solved with a dipstick tube. Just drain it, use a funnel, and refill. Measure with the dipstick appropriately, then be happy.
But no. In fact what you need to do now, is replace the entire transmission oil pan while keeping the vehicle raised and absolutely level, use a special mercedes tool to violate the new pan, fill the system, then *while the car is raised*, start the engine, run through the gears, hook up the STAR diagnostic computer, use your special tool and keep violating the transmission, ensure the temperature is exactly 45 °C (not sure how the hell you do this, what if it's too high or low? Maybe bring ice?), remove the mercedes violator, and let the excess $20/liter oil *get wasted* until the appropriate level is achieved. If it's not continue mercedes violating, remove the violator, and see if the appropriate level has been achieved.
Then wonder why BMW took the #1 spot.
