Coolant Fill on 1966 230SL

[Harry]

I just replaced a hose on my 230 and refilled the coolant system.  I did so by Initially filling with the engine cold  to the tab in the overflow reservoir.  Closed it up. Started it and ran to running temperature.  Let it completely cool.  Then topped of the cold engine to the tab again.  Now, it is overflowing through the overflow tube on the reservoir.  Did I put too much coolant back in?  Should I have left at a lower level to accommodate expansions?  Thanks!!

[jameshoward]

Harry,

How much coolant did you put in on the initial fill? That's the key thing. It may be that you have an airlock, or depending on how much you added initially, it is simply a bit of expansion, which would be expected. (From memory, but check, I think the capacity is 9 liters. It's quite a bit). Filling on a downward slope helps reduce air locks next time you do this. 

JH