Author Topic: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit  (Read 5945 times)

Michel MB280SL

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M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« on: December 11, 2006, 11:45:41 »
Hi to All,

For any 280SL owner that is looking for the Mercedes "Head coolant recirculating kit", I have just had it installed on my 1970 280SL.  What an adventure!  As I unfortunately started out with the wrong part number, it took a long while and a lot of assistance from a parts manager at the local dealership to find it. So that you don't have to go through the same ordeal, here is the exact information.

The part number for the kit is now changed to 130-586-02-20 and is called a "Mounting set".  The cost in Canada is $470.70 ($418.40US) and the dealer completed a neat installation in 3.1hrs.
 
I can't wait for the hot days of next summer to see the real results of this masterpiece of M-B engineering in traffic around town.  At the moment, the temperature in Montreal is in the low 30s F and the car will be mothballed till May 07. I'll keep you posted on the progress in a couple of months.



tuultyme

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2006, 06:22:50 »
Do you have any pictures of this "Head coolant recirculating kit"?   Just maybe something else to put on my to do list.

Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL

mdsalemi

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2007, 11:56:58 »
Any updates on this?  It's getting pretty warm around here...

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
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Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
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Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
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peterm

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #3 on: May 24, 2007, 06:13:15 »
I called MB classic and they faxed me the internal service bulletin for 1970 280sl M130 by pass kit.  This is for 1970 cars does anyone know if it applies to 71 model year as well?  Interesting 8 page fax that called on dealers to service only cars where there has been radiator blowing off coolant or temp indicator going to red.  If it applies to mine I have to go for it!

My local mechanic is likely up to the job any suggestions for the best place on LI/queens?

Michel MB280SL

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2007, 17:50:28 »
M-B Head Recirculating Kit

Well unfortunately, here are the results:

I have been driving the car in heavy traffic conditions over the last couple of weeks in temperatures varying from the high 70s to the low 90s and the temperature needle still does the very same circus.  

1-  At highway speeds, the car temp remains at 180 no matter the speed at which I drive, which is anywhere between 30 and 80mph.  
2-  As soon as I enter the city though I have to watch the needle like a hawk.  The temperature starts climbing towards 210 in seconds and will continue to climb to the red dot if I'm stuck for any lenght of time at a traffic light or simply waiting.  
3-  The only cure at this time is to keep the heater on in the car with the ventilator at full blast. This generally keeps the car at approximately 190 but also cooks me like a lobster.

In retrospec, I don't recommend the M-B kit to anyone unless you have tried everything else without any success.  In fact, the car behaves a little better than last year but the addition was certainly not worth the $850 paid to the dealer.

quote:
Originally posted by Michel MB280SL

Hi to All,

For any 280SL owner that is looking for the Mercedes "Head coolant recirculating kit", I have just had it installed on my 1970 280SL.  What an adventure!  As I unfortunately started out with the wrong part number, it took a long while and a lot of assistance from a parts manager at the local dealership to find it. So that you don't have to go through the same ordeal, here is the exact information.

The part number for the kit is now changed to 130-586-02-20 and is called a "Mounting set".  The cost in Canada is $470.70 ($418.40US) and the dealer completed a neat installation in 3.1hrs.
 
I can't wait for the hot days of next summer to see the real results of this masterpiece of M-B engineering in traffic around town.  At the moment, the temperature in Montreal is in the low 30s F and the car will be mothballed till May 07. I'll keep you posted on the progress in a couple of months.





bpossel

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2007, 18:26:14 »
Hello Michel,

I am sorry to hear that this did not work for you and your 113.
What I have done over the past several years, since I have owned my 113, to reduce temp issues, is to:
1.  replace the thermostat (75degree C)
2.  replace the visco fan
3.  replace the water pump
4.  clean the thick crud/dirt off of the engine
5.  have my radiator recored with add'l row
6.  replace 100 degree & 17 degree switch
7.  flush radiator fluid & install new fluid with mix of "water wetter", distilled water and regular radiator fluid.
8.  ensure timing is set correctly

Now in Memphis, TN. summer traffic, my temp is 180 while driving (car moving) and slightly higher while in stop & go traffic.

The real test will be when I drive to Ohio next month for our meet at Joe's.  Highway (many hours at high speed) and stop & go traffic...

Regards,
Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320
« Last Edit: June 19, 2007, 18:28:05 by bpossel »

waqas

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2007, 18:36:51 »
Hello Bob,

In your list, what do you refer to as "100 degree & 17 degree switch" ? Where is this located, and what purpose does it serve?

Thanks

WAQAS in Austin, Texas
Waqas (Wa-kaas) in Austin, Texas

bpossel

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2007, 19:08:30 »
Hi Waqas,

The 100 degree switch is the switch that is screwed into the top of the thermostat.  Has a wire connected to it...
Download Attachment: 100ds.jpg
38.55 KB

The 17 degree switch is screwed into the engine block, down by the IP Pump. Also has a wire connected to it...

If unclear, please let me know...

Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

« Last Edit: June 19, 2007, 19:36:58 by bpossel »

jeffc280sl

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2007, 19:30:19 »
Sorry to hear the MB kit didn't work perform as hoped.  For about a year I have been using a hose and 2 tee fittings to bypass the heater core.  It is an inexpensive way to route hot water from the head back to the radiator without going through the heater core.  The heater hose fittings in the head are larger than the outlet used by the MB kit effectively allowing more hot water to circulate out.  Basically I have installed a tee fitting in the supply and return heater hose to the heater core.  The fittings are connected by a new hose which goes over the head.  I don't drive the car in the winter and when I need heat I use the heater levers as before and adequate heat is available in the cabin.

My only concern is that the operating temperature is too low at about 185 to 190F.  I think optimal temp is arounr 200F.  At idle in traffic the temp gauge rises very little.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

Benz Dr.

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #9 on: June 19, 2007, 20:34:01 »
Your dealer charges $120.00 CDN per hour?

 If you look into the block on a 280SL with the side covers removed you will see that there are no passages between the cylinders. They're so close together that there is no room at all deep into the block. There is a small slot milled into the top of the block where coolant can go to help cool this area but that's it.

It's likely that there's a lot of scale, rust or sediment around the cylinders. This could be checked by draining the coolant and removing the back metal cover. This may require removing the stater as well. The small 6mm allen screws can break off in the block so I use heat on them before removal. The bottom of the covered hole is slightly above the bottom of the coolant chamber. If there's anything in there you should be able to see it. If there is anything in there you will probably have to get the block boiled out to remove all the crud. This is usually done during a rebuild but the way your car is overheating it's only a matter of time before you warp the head and it needs a rebuild anyway. You CAN'T overheat these engines without doing damage - sometimes it's slight but it all adds up over time.


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waqas

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Re: M-B Head coolant recirculating kit
« Reply #10 on: June 19, 2007, 20:44:07 »
Thanks for the reply! I see you have a 280sl... these switches are apparently present on neither my 230sl nor the 250se/c...

I'm having slight overheating problems, and I just noticed a bead of coolant around the upper solder joint of the radiator... so looks like it's time to pressure test it and replace/rebuild it if necessary. It's strange, but I haven't lost much coolant, if any.  Thanks for your list (most items have been taken care of recently), but the timing might be a good thing to check, and with the help of that epic "adjusting timing" thread currently running, I should have all the info I need!  :D

quote:
Originally posted by bpossel

Hi Waqas,

The 100 degree switch is the switch that is screwed into the top of the thermostat.  Has a wire connected to it...
Download Attachment: 100ds.jpg
38.55 KB

The 17 degree switch is screwed into the engine block, down by the IP Pump. Also has a wire connected to it...

If unclear, please let me know...

Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320



WAQAS in Austin, Texas
Waqas (Wa-kaas) in Austin, Texas