Check the simple stuff first
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 856
Likes: 501
From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
Check the simple stuff first
So I just had my S600 now with 83K miles serviced and we changed both coil packs and the spark plugs. Also did an oil and filter change. He also found a vacuum leak at the air y pipe and installed a new OEM part. Car runs so much better. Clark's coil packs make all the difference in the World.
Took it on a nice weekend road trip for a total of about 650 miles and it reminded me just how good these cars can be when properly maintained. 22 mpg at 70 mph for 200 of those miles. Of course, when I stopped for the evening; I see a wet spot at the front corner. Smelled like anti-freeze. Had a distinct blue-ish color. Sure enough, there is residue all over the coolant reservoir and the components below it. On really close inspection, I can see a tiny little rivulet of coolant draining down the fender and out onto the ground.
Ordered a URO coolant cap from Amazon (it said it was for a 300SL) and it arrived about 12 hours later for free (Bless Prime!). Put it on this morning after refilling with blue Mercedes anti-freeze. No more drip. It always pays to check the simple stuff first. What do you think a dealer would have charged me to diagnose the cooling system and replace a cap?
Took it on a nice weekend road trip for a total of about 650 miles and it reminded me just how good these cars can be when properly maintained. 22 mpg at 70 mph for 200 of those miles. Of course, when I stopped for the evening; I see a wet spot at the front corner. Smelled like anti-freeze. Had a distinct blue-ish color. Sure enough, there is residue all over the coolant reservoir and the components below it. On really close inspection, I can see a tiny little rivulet of coolant draining down the fender and out onto the ground.
Ordered a URO coolant cap from Amazon (it said it was for a 300SL) and it arrived about 12 hours later for free (Bless Prime!). Put it on this morning after refilling with blue Mercedes anti-freeze. No more drip. It always pays to check the simple stuff first. What do you think a dealer would have charged me to diagnose the cooling system and replace a cap?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,815
Likes: 6,707
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
good move!
It's nice how you fixed the standard MB leak like a champ. You saved many trips and $3,000 easily 👍
Now the cooling system is going to build normal pressure, until something else gets to call for attention.
It the same story with engine oil blow-by, pressure has to go somewhere. The more seals, valve cover gaskets, PCV,... get replaced, the closer you get a chance to vent through the rear crankshaft seal.
My engine has been leaking oil and coolant since all new from factory ✌️
The only time I raised hell is when the engine started to smell gasoline at 15kMi ...
go with the flow
Now the cooling system is going to build normal pressure, until something else gets to call for attention.
It the same story with engine oil blow-by, pressure has to go somewhere. The more seals, valve cover gaskets, PCV,... get replaced, the closer you get a chance to vent through the rear crankshaft seal.
My engine has been leaking oil and coolant since all new from factory ✌️
The only time I raised hell is when the engine started to smell gasoline at 15kMi ...
go with the flow
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jul 25, 2022 at 01:49 AM.
