C 180 exploded while in traffic jam

[Sonetuk]

I recently upgrades from a 190e to a C 180 auto 65k 1997 with no EC
Last Friday bank holiday rush i was caught up in traffic jam (100 meters in about 1hr).
Just after a hour i hard a loud explosion and then steam all over the bonnet. The radiator had explodes and the antifreeze has spread all over the engine.

Prior to the explosion i did not hear the fun come on. I suspect the temperature went in to red with out me noticing.

The temperature would normally rise up quickly to over 40 in less than 5 min's and would settle at about 90.

I bought a new radiator and fitted it the following day. The temperate still rises as before. The engine oil level is ok and water level in ok.

In replacing the radiator i lost a small about of transmission oil. Are there any precautions i should have taken in the process of replacing the radiator. Was any bleeding of transmission oil necessary before tightening the pipes.

The car still drives well but there seems to be a delay in gear shift. May this have been cause by the loss of transmission oil.

Can the transmition oil level be checked easly ?
Does the fan have a fuse i can check before another explosion.

Any ideals , advice etc..
cheers

 

[jgevers]

Hi,

From memory this. The electric radiator fan is operated by a control unit located somewhere near the n/s/f bumper/inner wing. They have a habit of getting water damage. Get an autoelectrician (who knows the MB systems) to check the system properly.

Get the autobox topped up or preferably change the fluid and filter at your mileage.

regards,

Job

 

[rees_A]

This may be caused by a faulty clutch assembly on the cooling fan. I had a C200 that did a similar thing. I left it at a friends house whilst on holiday and asked him to start it before I came home as the battery was a bit dodgy. He started it and left it running for 20 mins and the rad exploded....Nice homecoming present.. lol. Basically, the clutch plates where out on the fan and it slips instead of going faster so doesn't cool the engine sufficiently. I would get it checked as it is probably the reason for the original overheating problem.

 

[silverarrow]

known fault fan control relay under front wing passenger £100 new and 10 mins to fit
just remove and re fit

 

[Sonetuk]

There was a fault with the water pump and viscous fan. The fan appeared to be loosely attached to the water pump. Suspect the bearings were gone. I had the water pump and viscous fan replaced. Temperature appears ok and no sign of over heating.