Retrofit Cooling Modification

[Reischmann]

I have a 1970 280SL with automatic transmission and AC, based in Florida.
The AC causes the engine to run very hot.
We have replaced the radiator, fan clutch, fan blades, thermostat, and hoses. It has made no difference.
Temperature is fine, without the AC on.
Dose anyone know where I can purchase the retrofit cooling modification kit, MB part number 130-586-02-20?
Thank you,
Reischmann
727 449 7199

[ctaylor738]

Not endorsing this solution because I have no experience with it.

Buds Benz sells a "cool kit" for the 280.

BTW, how hot is "very hot"?

[garymand]

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Cooling/RetrofitCooling.  you can see it here.

[Reischmann]

Temp is in the "red" when stopped, with the AC on.
If I increase the RPM, while stopped, it will back off, just below the red.
Thanks,
Mike

[66andBlue]

Have you checked the viscous coupling on the fan?
See: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=13088.0  for other alternatives.
There is a MB cooling kit on eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/111324573999) but I am not sure whether it is the one for an automatic or for a manual shift car. Ask the seller.
But remember this kit is only for late 280SL engines.

[Garry]

Maybe a silly question, but when you replaced the radiator, did you do a full chemical flush of the block.  It soulds like you have hardening of the arteries so to speak and have limited water flow around the engine possible through scale and other gunk such as calcium from incorrect anti freezes.

After replacing my radiator and doing the flush, I did not have any further over heating problems even sitting in traffic in 105f+ temperatures. I could not believe how much muck came out of the engine when they did the flush, several times.

Garry