R129 SL500 - Radiator Question

[redgear]

Hi All,

I am seeking advice on whether it is possible to actually REPLACE the side plastic tank on the radiator - (In other words, can the radiator be dismantled, so the side tank on the radiator be removed and replaced with "new' or good second-hand one.

What has happened with my radiator is that somehow, the connection point of the overflow tube has broken at the entry point to the radiator tank.

There have ben a couple of attempts to use various types of adhesive/filler/gunk to try to "fix the rubber pipe in place, but after the car heats up on normal driving, it always causes the repair to break down and all the coolant to flush itself out all over the engine.

The last repair has been quite good - with a brass plug, but the radiator pressure still causes the repair to break down.

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[kimrh]

Not worth mucking around with
Get a better Quality Nissens radiator to suit from your local supplier in Melb with piece of mind and better cooling efficiency
http://radiatordirect.com.au/RadiatorDi ... -Australia

[redgear]

Not worth mucking around with
Get a better Quality Nissens radiator to suit from your local supplier in Melb with piece of mind and better cooling efficiency
http://radiatordirect.com.au/RadiatorDi ... -Australia

Thanks Kim...but no cheese down that tunnel

I just spoke with Michael from Nissens and he told me that there are no suppliers making the R129 radiator and he did not have any idea where I could get that radiator.
(He did also say they have every other radiator for every other Merc model - but not the R129
As soon as I said R129 he said - "I was hoping you weren't going to say that" - He said they have had other requests in recent times and they have not been able to get one from any of their suppliers.

[Ivanerrol]

Have you tried MB spares yet?

This is a very common problem. Generally thought to be caused by not using MB specification coolant.

[kimrh]

Yes you are right i checked and just about every other model around the era except the R129 SL500 - how dumb is that by Nissens as they make thousands of models.

New Genuine out of USA including airfreight is $788 so MB Spares might be cheaper for genuine
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mercedes-Ben ... SwXeJXdxY7

Or ring Natrad Radiators -based in Dandenong
http://www.natrad.com.au/?services/custom-radiators
They would be able to build a custom radiator based on yours provided - or modify yours with alloy tanks installed and ditch the plastic - but at least they would be able to help you out either way.

[redgear]

Yes you are right i checked and just about every other model around the era except the R129 SL500 - how dumb is that by Nissens as they make thousands of models.

New Genuine out of USA including airfreight is $788 so MB Spares might be cheaper for genuine
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mercedes-Ben ... SwXeJXdxY7

Or ring Natrad Radiators -based in Dandenong
http://www.natrad.com.au/?services/custom-radiators
They would be able to build a custom radiator based on yours provided - or modify yours with alloy tanks installed and ditch the plastic - but at least they would be able to help you out either way.

Thanks Kim

I have got one from MB Spares - an original one (PHEW!!)

Thanks for your help

[redgear]

Have you tried MB spares yet?

This is a very common problem. Generally thought to be caused by not using MB specification coolant.

Ok - That is good information Ivanerrol

I have ordered one from MB spares - your suggestion much appreciated!

Alan

[redgear]

Just an update on the GREAT SERVICE and caring received by the guys at MB Spares

They had one radiator, they put it on hold for me for about 10 days whilst I got everything organised then sent it over and I now have a happy cool SL500 with a new radiator!

Thanks MB Spares - much appreciate your service.