Karl Wittnebel wrote:
1985 300TD has high pressure in the radiator tank even when cold. Runs low on coolant, but only about twice a year, no visible leak. Mileage has decreased from 26 -> 21mpg, no detectable loss of power. Performed coolant chemical test for leak, which was negative.
Is this the head gasket? If so, anyone have a rebuilt head they'd like to get rid of? Not in a big rush to fix it, but would like my 26mpg back!
Head gasket problems on that engine are very rare. Cold cooling system
pressure is common in Mercedes diesels. Much, much more likely to be a
poor or erratic seal on the cooling system cap or some other leak.
The fuel consumption is MUCH more likely to be a stuck thermostat (an
engine that is slow to heat up can drop fuel economy by 30% in city
driving) or fuel system leak. Does the hand fuel pump leak when you pump
it? When were the return lines replaced? What about the flex hoses from
the metal lines to the fuel tank? When were the fuel filters changed?
What does the timing chain stretch measure?
Marshall
--
Marshall Booth (who doesn't respond to unsigned questions)
"der Dieseling Doktor" [EMAIL PROTECTED]
'87 300TD 182Kmi, '84 190D 2.2 229Kmi, '85 190D 2.0 161Kmi, '87 190D 2.5
turbo 237kmi
