Common Fault on Valeo Rediators??

[Mark F]

My MB dealership have informed me that a seal failure within the radiator (E270 Cdi - 53 Plate) has allowed coolant and gear box oil to mix/comtaminate and damage radiator, torque convertor and will cost £2500 to repair!

My enquiries with independent specialists indicate that this is a common/historic failure on Valeo radiators which is well known to Merc. I have raised complaint with Merc Customer Services but I was wondering if other members have heard of this issue?

I will post "outcome" once MB have advised.

Mark F.

 

[corned]

A (very) quick search on here will bring back loads and loads of results for Valeo radiators.

Yes, a very common (and expensive) problem.

Depressing just how common.

 

[Buggerlugs]

Yes Mark, it is alas a very common failure. I'm a transmission specialist from ooop North and I do at least 1 a week, sometimes 2-3. As we speak I have a customer collecting his 2003 CLK 270 that's had exactly this fault. Thing is, although Mercs are particularly bad for it, I see these crossleak failures on most brands of car with this type of combined cooling solution.

 

[Mark F]

Thanks for the two prompt responses - I'm new to this forum. Having searched on the Valeo problem it appears to me that whilst this is a common and expensive problem there is little feedback on MB contributing to cost. Has anyone had any success in pushing MB hard for a contribution given it'd a known fault?

 

[corned]

Depends on age/mileage/service history; all the usual suspects.

That's not to say that you shouldn't push them hard for a contribution at least. Part-way settlements for goodwill are not un-common.

Give it your best shot, without losing your temper, and you may strike lucky.

If they are not going to contribute, or offer a measly gesture, you will be much better off going the indie route. There are many on here, and all are well respected and liked.

I wish you the best of luck.

 

[pmtx]

I've searched high and low on this issue and haven't found a cohesive answer to my biggest question. Without wanting to hijack the thread, does anyone know if there is a sure way to check if your car has the Valeo demon radiator without dismantling the front of the car?

 

[1998K]

I've searched high and low on this issue and haven't found a cohesive answer to my biggest question. Without wanting to hijack the thread, does anyone know if there is a sure way to check if your car has the Valeo demon radiator without dismantling the front of the car?

Check if it is possible to see a label referring to manufacturer if you read "Behr" or something similar (sorry I don't remember the proper name) you are ok, if you read Valeo...ok you have Valeo.

To note that having Valeo is not necessary a problem: I've read, without dismounting nothing, Valeo but checking better pipes and passage I've seen I've a separate radiator for the autobox!

So it may depend and an investigation as said is the better thing to do!

Mine is a sedan 203 '03 2.7cdi...auto of course

Cheers

 

[smillion]

On my e270 cdi (2002) I negotiated a 50% contribution for new torque converter. Car was bought by me new, FMBSH, all with same dealer. 80,000m

Good luck

Marc

 

[Mark F]

Just an update. No contribution from MB, even after escalating to Maastricht. Vehicle repaired by Mastertech Assist in Droylsden, Manchester. Two ex-MB technicians who set up themselves 3 years ago. Fantastic service from start to finish. Saved a fortune on job compared to MB quote. Can't recommend these guys enough if you're based around Manchester - they even provide a courtesy car. Contact 0161 301 2030.

Regarding the complaint to MB, I have issued a County Court Summons - details to follow in due course!

 

[Druk]

Regarding the complaint to MB, I have issued a County Court Summons - details to follow in due course!

Excellent. Time someone had the courage to take them to task. This should have been a general recall as soon as it was discovered. What would a replacement rad have cost them compared to all the heartache and loss of goodwill people have suffered.

 

[C240Sport97]

Regarding the complaint to MB, I have issued a County Court Summons - details to follow in due course!

excellent.

known fault, and MB have paid up in the past, so you should at least have a go

 

[Alps]

Good luck, very common problem globally, there is a thread on identifying the radiator type here on the forum, 2003 models were the most common to have Valeo, but later ones have also been known to have them!

 

[Rory]

Regarding the complaint to MB, I have issued a County Court Summons - details to follow in due course!

Who did you issue the summons against?

 

[Mark F]

Mercedes Benz Retail Group UK - they have acknowledged service - any reason why you ask this particular question?

Mark F

 

[Rory]

Mercedes Benz Retail Group UK - they have acknowledged service - any reason why you ask this particular question?

Mark F

It's my understanding that in this kind of dispute legal liability rests with the retailer, in this case the garage that you bought the car off. Did Mercedes Benz Retail Group UK own the garage who supplied the car?

However there is an extremely long series of threads on the HonestJohn website to do with Vauxhall Corsas breaking camshafts. One victim started proceedings against Vauxhall Motors UK and they offered to settle the repair costs in full, but he is still pursuing them for out of pocket expenses.
Vauxhall Corsa C - Premature camshaft failure Volume 4: Motoring Discussion forum