SL/R230: Low coolant level
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
SL 350 R230 '04
Low coolant level
Guys, During my valve cover gasket replacement, I’ve noticed that engine coolant level is very low. The car is parked since many months now, so I see no water/liquid traces on ground. Given the coolant circuit is sealed, how can I check for leaks? Is there any suggestion about where to look for a common/already well known leak cause? thanks
And, which fluid do you suggest to buy for topping the level up?
(2004 SL350 R230)
And, which fluid do you suggest to buy for topping the level up?
(2004 SL350 R230)
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
I would only use Mercedes Coolant. Too many products in the market but for the coolant I decided to use MB since they claim it was to last many thousands of miles. Make sure your oil is not milky. That means anti freeze is in the oil. Which is not a happy place to be. Head Gaskets are the best of that situation. Also I had a car that had a very small leak in the heatercore hoses. It sprayed out under pressure and evaporated on the exhaust manifold. No liquid , no smell, nothing. But one thing when the engine was hot I could collapse the radiator hose indicating no pressure build up. So if you don't see bubbles in the radiator and nothing in the oil and have no pressure you have a leaky hose. Being a 2004 I would replace all the hoses and new clamps. if this is the case. And I sincerely hope it is Gene
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
SL 350 R230 '04
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
If you can then you have a radiator leak but you see nothing no wet spots on the coils. Nothing ? well then it probably is 19 year old rubber hoses. So you replace all the hoses if this is the case and see what happens. Now I do not consider a "throwing parts at a thing" is in this case. What 19 year old SL500 doesn't need new hoses? Anyway. Gene
