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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Overheating typical or Atypical
So I have to ask, yesterday it was about 92 degrees here and I had to run down the hill from the office to take the car to my buddy's shop to finish the body work he is performing. Even on the freeway, the car was running quite hot, almost 3/4 of the way to red. As I got stuck in traffic, the heat climbed a bit higher, thinking on my feet, I cranked on the heater, thinking to disappate some of the heat through the vehicle. I had the windows open anyways, so it didn't really matter. Once I got to my buddies shop, I turned off the car, let it sit for a bit and went inside. About 10 minutes later I tried to start the car, wasnt going to happen, wouldnt even attempt to turn over. We pushed the G into his garage and left it there, I called this morning ans the car started just fine. Does the thermostat on the car prevent it from starting when the engine reads a specific heat? Are 280's known for having problems in higher climates. Once I get the car, I intend to perform a radiator flush and refill with a high quality coolant. Does anyone have a coolant they recommend for "extreme" conditions? My real concern is hunting in Red Bluff around the first week of September, when I will be climbing up and down steep off road grades, in temperatures approaching 100-105 degrees. The last thing I want is for the car to overheat out there and have to catch a ride back to camp on a 4-wheeler. |
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AlanMcR
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, CA, Los Altos
Vehicle(s): G300DT E300DT 230SL
Posts: 3500
| RE: Overheating typical or Atypical
It shouldn't overheat. Figuring out why will take work. Possible candidates include one (or likely more than one) of plugged up radiator, scale in the passages, bad thermostat (or no thermostat), bad fan clutch, engine timing, restricted exhaust, low cooling fluid. Have at it. Properly sorted out it should run cool. |
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gwagen460swb
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Vehicle(s): 280GE SWB, Toyota Highlander, BMW530i, RR HSE
Posts: 513
| Re: Overheating typical or Atypical
In addition to what Alan just mentioned: For a coolant, I recommend Texaco brand Dex Cool or equivalent. The coolant is the orange color one that you mix 50/50 with water. |
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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| RE: Overheating typical or Atypical
I believe Texaco brands go under the Chevron brand out here in California as Texaco is a subsidiary of the Chevron nameplate, (a product of the old 7 Sisters I believe). Can anyone confirm this? |
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Ernest T Bass
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Overheating typical or Atypical
As far as I am aware the 280 GE temp gauge can range anywhere between just before the centre and the beginning of red zone. Only when it enters the red is there cause for concern. So unless it goes into the he red there should be no cause for concern.
You should have the right amount of anti-freeze in the radiator which is normally around 50%, any less will reduce the boiling point of the coolant. Any more will reduce cooling efficiency.
If you are really concerned about temperature you could try Redline water wetter which will reduce the temperature.
All of the above is only applicable if the cooling system is in good condition.
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fernweh
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
| RE: Overheating typical or Atypical
AlanMcR - 5/12/2006 10:57 AM
It shouldn't overheat. Figuring out why will take work. Possible candidates include one (or likely more than one) of plugged up radiator, scale in the passages, bad thermostat (or no thermostat), bad fan clutch, engine timing, restricted exhaust, low cooling fluid. Have at it. Properly sorted out it should run cool.
Yes Alan, just short before our trip to Anza Borego I did change the radiator, the old one was very restricted and could not be cleaned - it had turbolators in the tubes?- much better temp control with the new $950.00 radiator.......Check for the correct radiator cap also!
Karl |
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Inkblotz
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Georgia
Vehicle(s): 90 300GD "Thundering Turtle II", w/ 603A turbo
Posts: 3186
| RE: Overheating typical or Atypical
After much trouble shooting ( and replacing just about everything) I finally bit the bullet and had my radiator recored $320. I had them put in the straight veins instead of the crimped ones for better cooling. It now stays around the middle mark with little fluctuation. Also if not yet mentioned poor grounding can cause gauge issues.
Mark |
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