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How to change Mercedes W123 coolant

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  1. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant, How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 1, imagen 1 de 2 How to change Mercedes W123 coolant, How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 1, imagen 2 de 2
    • With the hood on your car up, begin by opening the radiator cap to allow the radiator to drain more efficiently.

    • For this step, and every step going forward, remember to never work on your cooling system when it is hot. Hot coolant can easily scald and lead to serious injuries.

  2. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 2, imagen 1 de 2 How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 2, imagen 2 de 2
    • Under the car, just behind the front bumper, find the radiator drain plug.

    • Remove it with a large Phillips head screwdriver.

    • Notice that the drain plug has a small hook on it. This keeps it from falling in to your drain pan as you drain the radiator. You will have to pull it out once the radiator has stopped draining.

  3. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 3, imagen 1 de 1
    • Allow the radiator to fully drain. A high-sided collection pan is helpful since it can splash a good bit as it drains rapidly.

    • Once the radiator has drained fully, install a new drain plug. It is recommended that you not re-use the old plug since it is plastic.

  4. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 4, imagen 1 de 1
    • The radiator only holds approximately half of the coolant in the system. In order to completely drain the system you will need to also drain the engine block through its coolant drain plug.

    • Begin by moving your catch pan back beneath the passenger side engine mount area, which is also just below the exhaust pipe.

  5. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 5, imagen 1 de 2 How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 5, imagen 2 de 2
    • The coolant drain plug on the side of the engine block cannot be seen from above the car. Even on this non-turbo the exhaust pipe is in the way, and it's beneath the throttle linkages that go to the transmission. It is located in the approximate location noted, behind the exhaust pipe.

    • It can be seen, with some effort, from below the car up through the tie-rods and other components.

    • If possible, as it is on the non-turbo cars, remove this bolt from above so as to not be in the way of the coolant as it drains. It can be done by feel once you've oriented yourself to the location of the bolt. It is removed using a 19mm socket, an extension, and a ratchet wrench.

    • It may be necessary to remove the bolt from below the car on turbo engine cars. If this is the case be prepared to quickly move out of the way and place the drain pan underneath. Coolant drains from this very rapidly.

  6. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 6, imagen 1 de 1
    • Shown here is the coolant drain bolt from the block. Plan to replace the washer after removal.

    • Note how short this bolt is. This means it will come out of the block sooner than you may expect it to. For this reason, as soon as it begins to feel loose enough when using the wrench to switch to turning it out by hand, this should be done. Otherwise your wrench, extension, socket, etc. may be in the way and will get covered in coolant.

    • When this drains the spray from the hole will hit the exhaust pipe, splash off of the engine cross-member, etc. It's definitely the messiest fluid change on these cars. Catch as much as you can in the catch pan and use kitty litter to soak up any that lands on your driveway.

  7. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 7, imagen 1 de 1
    • Before filling the engine with new coolant be sure to replace the block drain plug and tighten it down.

    • Use only Genuine Mercedes coolant or an appropriate formulation if using another brand. These coolants are designed to be compatible with the materials used in the W123 cooling system.

    • Pre-mix the coolant and water in a clean container. Mix up a total of 3 gallons. On this car this meant using 1 gallon of coolant and 2 gallons of water, but it will depend on your climate. The system will take about 2.5 gallons of coolant/water mix at first, and then the remainder after some bleeding and driving for a few days.

  8. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 8, imagen 1 de 1
    • The radiator is full when it reaches the bottom of the radiator fill neck.

    • It can help shorten the bleeding process if you pour in the coolant very slowly. This allows it to displace the air more effectively. You can also squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to "burp" the system.

    • Once you've filled the system with coolant it must be bled. To do this, start the car with the radiator cap off as shown.

    • Then, turn on the climate control to the DEF (defrost) setting. This will open the flow of coolant to move it through the heater core.

    • Run the engine until it reaches about 60°C / 140°F. You'll see bubbles from the coolant neck. If it gets low, top it off.

  9. How to change Mercedes W123 coolant: paso 9, imagen 1 de 1
    • At this time replace the radiator cap. Take the car out for a test drive. When you return, check for leaks from the two drain plugs and the radiator cap.

    • Over the next few days, the morning after you've driven the car and it's had time to cool off fully, open the cap and check the level. It will continue to work out a bit of air and the level may drop. Keep it topped off until it is finished fully bleeding.

Conclusión

Don't forget to keep and eye on the coolant level after the change.

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Nicolas Siemsen

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6 comentarios

What size is the coolant drain plug washer? ID and OD? What is it made of? Where can it be purchased? Multiple internet searches have yielded only oil drain plugs, and absolutely nothing about the coolant drain plugs.

Bill - Contestar

Quite complete, thanks!

podgornikzsolt - Contestar

The engine block plug is a fastidious little POS... But with an almost stupid sense of determination it does come out, even if you are a novice. Thank you for the guide!

TASI Channel - Contestar

Just finished changing mine, this is a great tutorial, thanks for posting.

Would be helpful if you added a note in the section about burping the coolant.

Depending on your model there is normally a bleeder screw that can be used to remove the excess air from the coolant system.

If this is not done, your Benz may run HOT even if you installed the new thermostat properly.

I would suggest jacking up the front of the car to help the air move to the front while bleeding.

P.s. for the 1978 300D the bleeder screw is that 13mm on top of the thermostat housing.

zanderashe - Contestar

How many liters (American gallon) antifreeze stops in 240D, 48kw, 1979th year.

Vladimir Glisic - Contestar

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