kwelch02

I have a 97 SL 500. 106k

My Coolant gauge shows a reading of between 80 and just under 100c at the top end. This is on expressway or surface streets with AC on and outside temps in the 80s.
Is this a normal range?

I have had new hoses, belt and pulleys and new coolant in the last few months. I believe the clutch may be original, but not sure.

If this is too high, where should I be looking?

Thanks.

mahunt

That's perfect.

Figure 100C as 212F and you are probably right at 195F. Perfect for an aluminum engine.

kwelch02

Thank You!

Ahmed

What exactly do you mean by that? Is the needle actually oscillating from 80 to "just under 100" repetitively?

kwelch02

No, it does not bounce around at all. Just climbs to just under 100c

AndreasHannover

That's too much for normal conditions. Can you stop the cooler blower with a rolled newspaper when the engine is hot? If so, the clutch is dry.

Ahmed

It should not climb. The thermo's job is to stop it from doing that.

kwelch02

I did the newspaper test and the fan stops easily when hot. I have ordered a new clutch.

Sparrow141

I drive a lot of new model MB, typically less than 5,000km, and noticed that 90 degree when cruising is quite common.

AndreasHannover

All newer cars dont show the real temperatur. As long as the real temperatur is within a range, it shows always the same. At the R129 which showas the realy temperatur, a M119 should be behave like you can see at the picture above.