1988 Other Mercedes Benz Models 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive 97767 miles

I got a partial valve job and a head gasket replacement. after a week or two I decided that I was chilly and needed to use the heat. The car began to overheat, up to 120, but as long I I didn't sit and idle I could make the Temp reduce.

Well the other day, the Temp went above 120, and since then,it won't reduce no matter if I drive or what. It now shuts off. It is no longer my happy little car. It makes a smell and shudders off... However, the oil is not milky, nor is there water in it. Nor is there smoke or any other typical signs of a blown gasket. BUT, the radiator is cold and the engine is hot.

What in tarnation is going on? I would give $$ but I have given it all to this mechanic, who has run out of Ideas. I think that there is sludge in the line and no fluid is going to the radiator from the water pump IF that is even working.

Hi there,

Test the thermostat is opening, and have the radiator removed professionally cleaned & flow tested, start here, as it is a circulation problem.

Mark (mhpautos)

how much does it cost, ballpark, for radiator flush and cleaning?

Hi there,

As i am in Australia i am not to sure about your pricing, but it will take about 1 1/2 Hrs to remove and re fit the radiator replace the thermostat and flush the system, may be get a quote on this before you commit your self. You will also have to allow for the radiator flush and the coolant / thermostat as well.

Mark (mhpautos)

I filled the radiator with H20 and now the radiator cools the engine as long as the car moves and doesn't have to idle in traffic . The only problem is that I live in Los Angeles, engine idle capital of the world. After filling the radiator does this mean that the radiator is working or does this mean that the radiator is still part of the circulation problem as it still only works when in transit? Where else could the circulation problem be?

I filled the radiator with H20 and now the radiator cools the engine as long as the car moves and doesn't have to idle in traffic . The only problem is that I live in Los Angeles, engine idle capital of the world. After filling the radiator does this mean that the radiator is working or does this mean that the radiator is still part of the circulation problem as it still only works when in transit? Where else could the circulation problem be?

By the way the thermostat is new.

Why is it that I can't use the heat in my car. In other models, when the car was overheating, turning on the heat was a surefire way to lower the engine temp.

It is cold here in the morning and I want to use my heat. The last time I used the heat the engine temp soared, why did that happen?

Hi there,

If the fan is a viscus coupling type as i think it is, this may be faulty and not drawing in enough are at idle, while driving there will be enough natural air flow to keep things cool. as for the heater problem, this is a bit of a mystery, are you loosing any coolant? i will have to give tis one a bit of thought.

Mark