C180 - getting a bit hot!

[frog1520]

My C180 normally has a temp of just under 80 on the motorway, or around 85 - 90 in stop-go traffic. Yesterday I was parked up with the engine running for about half an hour, and I noticed the temp rising. It went to about 100 and I though hmm never noticed that before! Then it went up to 120!!! So I turned the engine off.

Restarted and drove off about 5 minutes later - temp still on about 120 on startup, after driving less than 1/10th of a mile, the temp was back to a more normal 90. I saw the needle moving a bit erratically at this point and then setting around 90.

The radiator looks ok, no obvious leaks, the hose to the radiator was hot when the engine was hot as you'd expect. Drove it around today and it never went above 90. Sat around for about 15 mins with it on and it never went any higher.

Just a glitch? Something to worry about? Thermostat stuck? Sensor knackered? What should I check?

Thanks!!

 

[KLP 92]

For a start i would check the coupling fan and change the thermostat as a precaution.

 

[Spinal]

My C180's radiator exploded this summer... it tuned out the viscous fan was a fault, and that needed replacing (70 odd pounds for the part from a mb dealer). They said that it is/was a very common problem with W202s; so much so that at any time they kept 5 viscous fans in stock!

Michele

 

[timmy]

My radiator exploded too, luckily it was on a MOT ramp at the time. Depending on the age of your car it could be that it was fitted with one of the dodgey rads . The plastic expansion tank is crimped to the top of the rad and is prone to exploding. Think MB actually did a recall. My new radiator cost about £130 fitted if I recall correctly. I know you may not want to replace these items as suggested , as it is a bit costly, but not as much as getting towed off the motorway at 3 in the morning in the rain with a car full of kids and dogs etc