ALFAitalia
MB Enthusiast
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2022
- Messages
- 9,235
- Location
- Bognor Regis
- Car
- 2010 Mercedes W212 E Class E350 CDI Sport, 2006 Mercedes W169 A Class A170.
A few weeks back I fitted a new radiator to my car (W212 E350 CDI).....with no real issues. Ever since the top drivers side hose has seeped very slightly from the metal joint where it goes into the radiator.....I replaced to the new holding clips with the better original Merc ones and then replaced the o rins on the end of all three pipes. The passenger side one and the drivers side lower ones are bone dry......but the the drivers side upper one still seeps. We are talking a tiny amount of coolant here....you cant see the level drop or even see it dripping.....but if i run my finger in the hose edge its always wet with coolant. So I have drained the coolant and removed the pipe for inspection....it looks fine to be honest....so I'm wondering if the fitting where the hose attached to the radiator it at the top end of tolerances and it just a tiny bit too big to make a 100% seal. So next step is going to be to apply some sealant to that joint and reassemble....let it cure over night and refill tomorrow. Which brings me to the point....which sealant. High modulus silicone is the obvious choice as its usually ok with coolant and I be able to remove it in the future. I could use Sikoflex.....then it will never leak.....but will also render it just about impossible to remove if I ever need to change the rad or hose in the future!! Any suggestions? And before someone says it....no I'm not taking the rad out and returning it!!.....I might if the leak was not so tiny.....I'm sure sealant will sort it. TIA>
