Yellow or white Cad?

[Tom230sl]

Does anyone what is the correct cad finish (yellow or white) for a 230sl radiator overflow cap? Some swear that it was yellow, yet i've always known it to be white. Attached is a photo from a MB publication showing white, but this could be a preproduction factory car. Anyone know for sure/have proof?

Download Attachment: cap.jpg
74.53 KB

Thanks,
Tom

[Ben]

In that particular photo all the yellow cad looks quite white, so its hard to fiugue what is correct !

Regards,
Ben in Ireland.
'64 230SL 4sp.

[Jonny B]

I have a copy of the original brochure for the 230SL at home and will double check. I think the photo is a bit clearer. However, I believe the cap on the expansion tank is yellow cad.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[mdsalemi]

The possibility might exist that multiple vendors used multiple finishes, and there also might be a difference between early and later style units...

I had the incorrect cap on mine originally, and it was replaced with a new correct one.

My new, correct one is a Behr; is stamped 100; and is most definitely yellow.  However as it is a newer unit I suspect that it is yellow zinc, not yellow CAD.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[JPMOSE]

Michael...where did you get your cap?  JP

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

[Tom230sl]

quote:Originally posted by Jonny B

I have a copy of the original brochure for the 230SL at home and will double check. I think the photo is a bit clearer. However, I believe the cap on the expansion tank is yellow cad.

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

i have the same brochure and the colors are more pronounced and the cap is definitely white. interestingly, the throttle linkage that runs over the valve cover looks like a black finish, yet we all know it to be yellow cad?

[114015]

Tom,

Beware of very early 230ies! There are a lot of differences in comparison to ordinary 230ies (64 -). All depends on the serial no. The pic in the DB publication (dealer's brochure) is definitely a very early car or even pre-series. So, this pic is only of very limited use for a, let's say, 65 SL.

I bought two new caps from DaimlerChrysler a couple of years ago, the same Michael refers to. They're definitely yellow zinc.

The old original one I had was also yellow (in the hidden corners) behind rusty overall appearance. I got it replated.

Very difficult about the throttle linkage rod across the valve cover. In most cars (late 1963 and so on) it was yellow cad (i.e. zinc). Maybe very early 230ies had black ones - very hard to find out. I have seen a few very early cars, however no clear reference. Most likely - all yellow.

Best,

Achim

(1971 230 (without SL) W114
1990 Opel Vectra A)

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by JPMOSE

Michael...where did you get your cap?  JP

Best Regards,

J. P. Mose
1968 250SL
1987 560SL

JP--my independent repair place got it, I assume from MB or his usual suppliers.  I shouldn't think it is that hard to find, I'd go to a local dealer first, or check your local independents.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Jonny B]

I agree with both Tom and Achim's comment about the photo from the brochure. I happened to remember an article from the Star magazine from March April 1993 that Pete Lesler put together. To quote,

"The original radiator cap was marked No. 100 and was flat, yellow chromate in color. Recent (remember this was a 1993 article) MBNA service bulletins call for all cars to use a 120 cap, which allows 1.2 atmospheres (17.6 psi)of pressure; this may be too high for old head gaskets and radiators"

then later in the article

"Plating: Non-painted, non-aluminum parts are almost always zinc or cad -plated with a yellow chromate finish. It is virtually impossible to find cadmium plating today (again, this was a 1993 article); still zinc plating is relatively inexpensive and available. Since yellow chromate finishes can vary tremendously, make sure your plater matches the finish on an authentic factory fresh part."

Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto