ALERT! ALERT! 10 years after I first started warning about this, I saw it again in my shop on Feb. 20, 2011. Seems to be happening even more now as these radiators age. I loosened up the upper hose clamp on this 123 300TD radiator and it just fell off.
Another great solution from Mercedessource!
1978 to 1995 Mercedes only
A broken radiator neck can be safely repaired if it breaks off cleanly in the center or aft of the center of the neck. If it breaks off too close to the tank or breaks off in multiple small pieces then we advise that you replace the radiator.
Kent starts out the video talking about prevention by using the neck reinforcement kit he has been selling for years. In the case of his own 1990 300SL the neck had not been reinforced and it broke cleanly right in the middle.
These instructions are part of our radiator neck reinforcement kit and a printed copy is included free with the purchase of that kit (see related products below).
Very good used thermostat housing next as shown. (What you see it what you get!) This is one of the nicest we have seen. No pitting on the nipple end that connects to the bottom radiator hose. Old thermostat thrown in but not guaranteed.
If you are experiencing minor coolant loss on your older model that has the cap on the radiator, it may because you do not have the correct cap. Not all caps are created equal as Kent will point out in the video below:
This is the type of radiator that will require this cap.
Why is this so important? It is primarily due to the age of these cars now and the fact that lurking problems can be hidden from visual inspection. There is not ONE diesel that Kent has looked at in the last five years that does not need this service! Even ones with under 150,000 original miles.
Replace your old worn and weak expansion tank cap to eliminate minor coolant loss problems. Watch the video below as Kent will explain the difference in caps and why you want to make sure you purchase the correct one.
COHLINE BRAND
ONE IN STOCK ONLY -- DECEMBER 2025! AFTERMARKET BRAND MADE BY URO.
Why would you need to remove a fuel tank? If it is heavily rusted or contaminated sometimes it is just easier to find a good used fuel tank and replace it. Trying to clean a heavily gummed up fuel tank is a real challenge.