LT Don wrote:
Had to head to Ames IA (an hour east) today for a training.
On the way back, I noticed that the 240D was running a bit hotter than
normal. Granted, this is the first day of the summer when the temps have
been in the mid-90s. By "hot" I mean that the gauge was about half way
between the 175 degree mark and whatever temp that next tic mark is between
175 and 250. Thermostat is 185 degrees I think.
Thermostat was new last year so I doubt that is an issue. Alternator / water
pump v-belt tight. Coolant topped off right where it should be.
I noticed two things today
1. There was a strong (30 mph) wind out of the south. I was driving straight
east/west. Seems almost like the car runs hotter if I am fighting a strong
cross-breeze. Just my imagination or is there something to this? Today isn't
the first time I've noticed this -- there seems to be a definite pattern
here.
2. I noticed this evening that some of the fins on the radiator are sort of
buggered-up and clumped together. Rock striket, etc. Should I try to
straighten these out (gently and carefully) for better airflow? I did note
that there are not too many insects jammed in between the fins.
I just hated it when Mercedes put F dash temp gauges in!! The mark
between 175 and 250 is 212 F (boiling point of pure water at sea level).
Sounds just a little hot. The thermostat for a 616 engine should be 80
deg. C (176 F). That when the thermostat STARTS to open. it should be
fully open at 94 deg C (201 F) and at that point maximum fluid is route
thru the radiator to be cooled. The engine fan comes on to improve
cooling at about 100 deg C (212 F).
It's NOT any problem until the coolant starts to boil (that's about 120
deg. C or 248 F providing the coolant is an approved mix of
anti-freeze/corrosion inhibitor/water and the pressure cap is at least 1
bar).
Marshall
--
Marshall Booth (who doesn't respond to unsigned questions)
"der Dieseling Doktor" [EMAIL PROTECTED]
'87 300TD 182Kmi, '85 190D 2.0 161Kmi, '87 190D 2.5 turbo 237kmi, '84
190D 2.2 229Kmi (retired)
