Extreme cold caused windshield fluid to burst out. How to bring car back to life?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 218
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
[QUOTE=AL5461;9265191]
It's also the color of CHF 11S, power steering fluid and the electric hydraulic pump is in front of the wheel on the passenger side. I recently replaced an o-ring that was causing a leak.
Let her pay the bill😂
It's also the same colour as ABC fluid... And the way it froze makes me suspicious, especially as it was both ends of the car. There's zero washer fluid at the back of an S Class.
We're hoping that you have got away with washer fluid, but we're not holding our breath.🫣
It's also the same colour as ABC fluid... And the way it froze makes me suspicious, especially as it was both ends of the car. There's zero washer fluid at the back of an S Class.
We're hoping that you have got away with washer fluid, but we're not holding our breath.🫣
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 568
Likes: 197
W221 S500
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
note :
Castrol CHF 11S is a synthetic high performance central hydraulic fluid designed for the automotive industry.
Castrol CHF is used in the following systems - power steering , central self-levelling suspension systems, shock
absorbers, hydropneumatic suspension, stability and traction control, hydraulics for convertible tops and central locking
systems. It is suitable for use at all temperatures from -40°C to 130°C
that does not say it freezes
but is suitable to use for it proposed purpose at -40C
Pour Point ISO 3016 °C -50
Castrol CHF 11S is a synthetic high performance central hydraulic fluid designed for the automotive industry.
Castrol CHF is used in the following systems - power steering , central self-levelling suspension systems, shock
absorbers, hydropneumatic suspension, stability and traction control, hydraulics for convertible tops and central locking
systems. It is suitable for use at all temperatures from -40°C to 130°C
that does not say it freezes
but is suitable to use for it proposed purpose at -40C
Pour Point ISO 3016 °C -50
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,642
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
[QUOTE=AL5461;9265191]
ABC oil is not water based. It won’t freeze. Assuming OP’s car is so equipped. Many to most S-550’s have airmatic.
OP you can have that fourth season!
Let her pay the bill😂
It's also the same colour as ABC fluid... And the way it froze makes me suspicious, especially as it was both ends of the car. There's zero washer fluid at the back of an S Class.
We're hoping that you have got away with washer fluid, but we're not holding our breath.🫣
It's also the same colour as ABC fluid... And the way it froze makes me suspicious, especially as it was both ends of the car. There's zero washer fluid at the back of an S Class.
We're hoping that you have got away with washer fluid, but we're not holding our breath.🫣
OP you can have that fourth season!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,642
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,156
Likes: 1,770
From: Colorado
G550
If you can do without the vehicle until the Canadian spring arrives, then leaving it sit (with a battery maintainer on it) seems viable as well. Most engines have freeze plugs in their blocks that are supposed to pop out to prevent engine damage if the temperature drops below the antifreeze spec. If this is what's happened, you might see if there's a block heater option that can be fitted in place of the plug (there are usually several freeze plugs so removing one isn't a problem). Otherwise, there are heaters that attach to a car's oil pan (
) that will help protect you engine. When I leave my Jeep outside and plug in its block heater, the engine compartment gets warm enough to melt the snow on its hood.
Temperature here in Colorado hit -15C early this morning. I plugged in my tractor and skid steer block heaters yesterday afternoon as a precaution.
Temperature here in Colorado hit -15C early this morning. I plugged in my tractor and skid steer block heaters yesterday afternoon as a precaution.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
If you can do without the vehicle until the Canadian spring arrives, then leaving it sit (with a battery maintainer on it) seems viable as well. Most engines have freeze plugs in their blocks that are supposed to pop out to prevent engine damage if the temperature drops below the antifreeze spec. If this is what's happened, you might see if there's a block heater option that can be fitted in place of the plug (there are usually several freeze plugs so removing one isn't a problem)
Temperature here in Colorado hit -15C early this morning. I plugged in my tractor and skid steer block heaters yesterday afternoon as a precaution.
Temperature here in Colorado hit -15C early this morning. I plugged in my tractor and skid steer block heaters yesterday afternoon as a precaution.
the BOLD bit above is a huge bug bear of mine - it makes me cringe every time I hear that hideous mistake
ENGINES DON'T HAVE FREEZE PLUGS - that is some other side of the pond madness you guys believe
what most cast engine blocks have, is Core Plugs - these have nothing whatsoever to do with frost protection - it is merely an element of the casting process - this is the access hole that held the "core" in place that allowed the creation of the oil and water passages - once the block is cast - they machine a neat hole and smash in a cheap steel bung to stop the coolant pouring out
yes if the coolant freezes it can pop the core plugs out - but that is called severe damage not a protection process - how can a small bung held in mostly by luck compensate for the forces of frozen water destroying the delicate engine block - it can't and never did
the pink sand bit is what creates the need for "CORE PLUGS"
Last edited by BOTUS; Feb 19, 2026 at 12:41 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,156
Likes: 1,770
From: Colorado
G550
Call them what you wish. I removed one from my tractor's engine block and installed a block heater in its place. Merely because these orifices are artifacts of the engine block casting process doesn't mean they can't or don't serve a subsequent purpose. If they were never intended to be removed they'd be brazed permanently into place.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
[QUOTE=JohnLane;9265437]
Yes, my S550 has airmatic.
I take it that ABC oil has something to do with suspension/shock absorbers?
I take it that ABC oil has something to do with suspension/shock absorbers?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
I have accepted that it might be either a total write-off on one extreme, or just a pipe getting popped on other extreme. I am going to let it sit and thaw on its own because if it's a write-off, i don't want to sink more money into it.
The weather is supposed to start opening up in about week or so. Once I have above 0C round the clock, i will ask my mechanic for a house call and see what I have been waiting in the store.
I am saving excellent and professional replies from this thread to show him when its time....
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
the BOLD bit above is a huge bug bear of mine - it makes me cringe every time I hear that hideous mistake
ENGINES DON'T HAVE FREEZE PLUGS - that is some other side of the pond madness you guys believe
what most cast engine blocks have, is Core Plugs - these have nothing whatsoever to do with frost protection - it is merely an element of the casting process - this is the access hole that held the "core" in place that allowed the creation of the oil and water passages - once the block is cast - they machine a neat hole and smash in a cheap steel bung to stop the coolant pouring out
yes if the coolant freezes it can pop the core plugs out - but that is called severe damage not a protection process - how can a small bung held in mostly by luck compensate for the forces of frozen water destroying the delicate engine block - it can't and never did
the pink sand bit is what creates the need for "CORE PLUGS"
ENGINES DON'T HAVE FREEZE PLUGS - that is some other side of the pond madness you guys believe
what most cast engine blocks have, is Core Plugs - these have nothing whatsoever to do with frost protection - it is merely an element of the casting process - this is the access hole that held the "core" in place that allowed the creation of the oil and water passages - once the block is cast - they machine a neat hole and smash in a cheap steel bung to stop the coolant pouring out
yes if the coolant freezes it can pop the core plugs out - but that is called severe damage not a protection process - how can a small bung held in mostly by luck compensate for the forces of frozen water destroying the delicate engine block - it can't and never did
the pink sand bit is what creates the need for "CORE PLUGS"
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
[QUOTE=AL5461;9265191]
Thank you for your well wishes, and same here, I am not too hopeful either. I live in an area with extreme winter temperatures, and I have never ever seen or heard anything like it happening to cars parked outside. So, my luck is already at its worst....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
I once watched a thing about this - if you don't have the block heater (an option on the w221 S class - you see it has a timer on the heater knobs for certain markets in the user manual), I thought you were meant to leave the car running all night with temps below -30C
much lower temps than -30 if you have a toothed cam drive belt it can get stiff and fall off....
much lower temps than -30 if you have a toothed cam drive belt it can get stiff and fall off....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,642
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
[QUOTE=cad1857;9265635]They have airmatic (air springs) or ABC (Active Body Control) which uses hydraulic fluid under pressure to act upon accumulators via valves to support weight of the car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,642
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
I once watched a thing about this - if you don't have the block heater (an option on the w221 S class - you see it has a timer on the heater knobs for certain markets in the user manual), I thought you were meant to leave the car running all night with temps below -30C
much lower temps than -30 if you have a toothed cam drive belt it can get stiff and fall off....
much lower temps than -30 if you have a toothed cam drive belt it can get stiff and fall off....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
an bit of utter madness they all jumped (Ford, Pug / ****ron and VAG, etc.) to a new idea to run the belts in the engine oil - 20% more efficient !!! - but as the manu and oil companies KNEW, when we add ethanol to the fuel, the cyl wash / blowby ROTS the belts and the engine self destructs (just as they designed it). Ford trying to self destruct the entire corporation as per deep state rules - even fitted a wet belt for the oil pump drive - in 2019 they rushed back to a chain for the cam drive to slow the death of the corporation - but magically left behind the wet belt on the oil pump - and the cam chain MUST come off to do the oil pump drive - these days most recco swapping wet belts every 20k miles - and the fast boys have got it down to 6 hrs labour
as for Chains of course they must self destruct too - so the M642 920 v6 tractor engine has gone from a study duplex chain - and later V6 tractors go to a chocolate single roller design that magically fails under the duress of the designed to kill Start Stop madness
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 772
1983 Nissan Shltbox
[QUOTE=JohnLane;9265701]
Springs support the load, hydraulics do their own fancy stuff.
BOTUS, your inbox is full again.
BOTUS, your inbox is full again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,642
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
[QUOTE=Senecat;9265748]
Springs support enough of the load that hydraulics don't have to work too hard.
Ask a car with ABC or MBC to dump all pressure and it will be on bump stops.
Ask a car with ABC or MBC to dump all pressure and it will be on bump stops.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,642
Likes: 1,224
From: Phoenix
222 S-65
have you heard of Wet belts !
an bit of utter madness they all jumped (Ford, Pug / ****ron and VAG, etc.) to a new idea to run the belts in the engine oil - 20% more efficient !!! - but as the manu and oil companies KNEW, when we add ethanol to the fuel, the cyl wash / blowby ROTS the belts and the engine self destructs (just as they designed it). Ford trying to self destruct the entire corporation as per deep state rules - even fitted a wet belt for the oil pump drive - in 2019 they rushed back to a chain for the cam drive to slow the death of the corporation - but magically left behind the wet belt on the oil pump - and the cam chain MUST come off to do the oil pump drive - these days most recco swapping wet belts every 20k miles - and the fast boys have got it down to 6 hrs labour
as for Chains of course they must self destruct too - so the M642 920 v6 tractor engine has gone from a study duplex chain - and later V6 tractors go to a chocolate single roller design that magically fails under the duress of the designed to kill Start Stop madness
an bit of utter madness they all jumped (Ford, Pug / ****ron and VAG, etc.) to a new idea to run the belts in the engine oil - 20% more efficient !!! - but as the manu and oil companies KNEW, when we add ethanol to the fuel, the cyl wash / blowby ROTS the belts and the engine self destructs (just as they designed it). Ford trying to self destruct the entire corporation as per deep state rules - even fitted a wet belt for the oil pump drive - in 2019 they rushed back to a chain for the cam drive to slow the death of the corporation - but magically left behind the wet belt on the oil pump - and the cam chain MUST come off to do the oil pump drive - these days most recco swapping wet belts every 20k miles - and the fast boys have got it down to 6 hrs labour
as for Chains of course they must self destruct too - so the M642 920 v6 tractor engine has gone from a study duplex chain - and later V6 tractors go to a chocolate single roller design that magically fails under the duress of the designed to kill Start Stop madness
