Author Topic: Radiator for 230SL (Read 7780 times)

Charles 230SL · « **on:** February 04, 2019, 20:20:10 »

hello all, looking for a new old stock (NOS) radiator, part no. 113-500-06-03. If you have any ideas or leads, I'd sure appreciate it.
thanks,,

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2019, 20:37:04 »

Auto or standard?

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2019, 21:52:31 »

its a standard shift, thanks

cabrioletturbo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2019, 02:59:29 »

I have used radiator, untested, for manual transmission. Let me know if you would consider via PM.

KevinC · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2019, 17:00:26 »

If Igor's radiator doesn't work out try Gernold at SL Tech...

http://www.sltechw113.com/parts.html

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2019, 00:44:01 »

thanks Kev, I just sent Gernold an email.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2019, 04:38:41 »

I don't anticipate much luck finding a new (NOS) radiator so looks like I'll need to get mine re-cored.
Bud's Benz sells re-cored 'high-efficiency' radiators; https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/f-cooling/F232-001A.

Anyone in this group tried one of these?

Jordan · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2019, 12:35:20 »

You should be able to get yours re-cored for a lot less money.

badali · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2019, 13:58:19 »

I had mine re-cored for $400. The untested used ones I found were all close to $1000.

Vander · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2019, 23:42:49 »

I agree, $400-500 is probably the going rate for re-core. They paint it too, making it look brand new.

Garry · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2019, 02:26:13 »

Just in the process of recoring mine in readiness for its 10,000 mile drive in the USA in a few months time. I hope it is only 4-500 dollars

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #11 on:** February 11, 2019, 03:29:54 »

you guys probably think I'm nuts but my primary concern is how the radiator fits after it's re-cored.

My present radiator fits perfectly between the baffle plates and if the tanks and brackets are not aligned/soldered correctly around the new core, I'll have to bend the baffles to accommodate the misalignment. I also have AC on the car and the condenser coil is mounted to the baffles.

I was hoping that whoever does the re-cores for Buds' would have done enough W113 radiators by now to know how to get it right the first time. I'm probably being too picky..

Atazman · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2019, 03:59:36 »

Just had mine re-cored and I had the same concerns. Like you, I have A/C, so the fit has to be right. Unless you are having them install a "thicker" core you will be fine. I believe any competent radiator shop will make sure the critical dimensions are held tight.

Oh...... mine fit perfectly and I hope yours does too.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2019, 00:09:59 »

thanks Don, that's good to hear.
I dropped the radiator off today and I'll keep my fingers crossed. thanks, Charles

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2019, 01:46:24 »

just an update,,,I picked up my re-cored radiator yesterday and it looks and fits great. The radiator shop installed a 3-row core and the total cost was $477.00 - not too bad.

Atazman · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2019, 16:12:45 »

Great, Charles! Thanks for the report.

Jordan · « **Reply #16 on:** February 17, 2019, 20:02:41 »

Quote from: Charles 230SL on February 17, 2019, 01:46:24

just an update,,,I picked up my re-cored radiator yesterday and it looks and fits great. The radiator shop installed a 3-row core and the total cost was $477.00 - not too bad.

You should get better cooling from the 3 row as well. I know I did, but then I also replaced the water pump so that may have helped as well.

Benz Dr. · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2019, 22:28:38 »

Some things are best rebuilt and other things are best replaced with a new part. Of course, most of this has to do with how serviceable any given part might be. A steering box you would have rebuilt; a drag link, not on your life.
Same thing goes for chrome plating. Door handles you would re-plate and a trunk star you would buy new. You can certainly have a used trunk star plated and it will never look right because all of the sharp edges will be removed during the buffing process. Much of this is a mater of cost and availability of any given part.

Charles 230SL · « **Reply #18 on:** February 18, 2019, 01:09:57 »

x046866x · « **Reply #19 on:** July 08, 2020, 11:34:58 »

Folks; How close to the flex fan did you mount your radiator? At first I thought the closest possible would provide the optimum air-flow when stopped, but then was concerned the flex fan would...well...flex and rub against the radiator.

Thoughts?

BTW: Re-core is definitely the way to go! About $500 and looks brand new...and already has the various dings underneath from 55+ years of various rocks and curb shots! (dings look better when re-painted)

Cees Klumper · « **Reply #20 on:** July 08, 2020, 13:48:47 »

The original radiator in my '86 Nissan 300ZX was plugged up and no longer letting coolant flow through. Stayed completely cold when the engine was hot. Rather than replacing it ($280 for a good quality new one) or having it recored, I decided to try and run Barnacle Buster through it for a few hours while still in the car (for these cars you have to remove the front end to get the radiator out). Barnacle Buster is a descaling solution that is used in marine engine cooling systems and I had a couple of gallons sitting around from having used it on our boat's caterpillar 3208 turbodiesel engines. It worked like a charm, no more overheating on the highway.
So I believe we replace or have radiators re-cored, when all that is required is just a proper cleaning to remove calcium and other deposits.

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Author Topic: Radiator for 230SL (Read 7780 times)

KevinC

x046866x