Coolant leak

Tiny
KEVINM01
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 MERCEDES BENZ C230
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
So I have had a coolant leak for some time now. I am having to regularly fill up with coolant at least weekly or every two weeks. I was told by an Mercerizes Benz specialist that I have leak coming from my oil cooler to cylinder head plastic water pipe which appears to be cracked. They gave an exorbitant quote for the repair, so I am asking, what is actually involved in replacing this part?

(https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-mercedes-benz-parts/coolant-pipe/2712001352/ )

Is this something I can do on my own, or should I refer to a specialist? My skill level is not particularly advanced. I have replaced the starter, and other more minor repairs. I generally do no like to mess with the actual Mercerizes Benz engine.
Saturday, February 10th, 2018 AT 2:07 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Hey Kevin,

I think this is located at the rear of the engine can you take a picture of where it is located so I can help you? I used to have one of these cars but cannot remember where this piece is.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, February 12th, 2018 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
KEVINM01
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  • 63 POSTS
Ken,

The part is in the most inconvenient place possible. I've tried to photograph it, you can't see anything in the photo.

Your best bet would be if you had access to a C230 model would be to look at it and try to find it to even see what I'm talking about. I mean I'm sure you looked at the part on an engine diagram https://www.mbpartsworld.com/auto-parts/2003/mercedes-benz/c230/kompressor-trim/1-8l-l4-gas-engine/cooling-system-cat That's pretty much the best I can do as far as getting you an image.
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Thursday, February 15th, 2018 AT 12:07 PM
Tiny
KEVINM01
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
I mean location-wise its in between the back of the engine and firewall. And it's such a tight space. You can't even access it with a tool. But I don't know how the repair is performed
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Thursday, February 15th, 2018 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
KEVINM01
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
I think this youtube video might be showing the same part, but I'm not 100 percent sure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV1MF0VbXfk
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Thursday, February 15th, 2018 AT 12:12 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
Yep that is it, nice video find. That will be tough to change but I think it can be done without removing the cylinder head using small wrenches and 1/4 drive sockets and ratchet. If there is some doubt call the dealer and ask how much the price will reflect the job difficultly.
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Thursday, February 15th, 2018 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
KEVINM01
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
I mean MB dealer says 3 hrs of labor.
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Friday, February 16th, 2018 AT 7:18 AM
Tiny
KEVINM01
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
I think some stuff needs to come out to do the job, but I dont know what or how
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Friday, February 16th, 2018 AT 7:19 AM
Tiny
KEVINM01
  • MEMBER
  • 63 POSTS
I may end up taking to a shop or dealer for the repair
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Friday, February 16th, 2018 AT 7:19 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
3 hrs means it is tough but not enough to remove the cylinder head. So the cost labor is about $350.00.

Let me know what you end up doing.
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Saturday, February 17th, 2018 AT 10:53 AM

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