Hello all.
I'm a new member here and am trying to help my girlfriend get her 240 back on the road. I have already researched and read all relavent threads here, but here's the deal...........

1990 240DL wagon. The car has been overheating intermittently. It's been 95 and humid here in MN. The coolant / engine temperature starts to creep up in stop and go driving, but is otherwise generally ok and in range. My girlfriend had to pull over once when it got into the red during a traffic jam but has not been driving the car since.

Symptoms:

The upper radiator hose gets hot so i believe the thermostat is opening / working properly.

I suspected and replaced the mechanical fan clutch and fan / water pump belts with no effect.

I checked the water pump bearing when i replaced the fan clutch and it seems smooth. The heater works great so i suspect that the water pump is providing proper flow.

The oil is clean, as is the coolant. Their is no bubling in the coolant resevior or white smoke from the tailpipe so i believe that head gasket is fine.

Car loses no coolant.

I'm kind of at a loss here but my girlfriend has limited funds right now so i need to help her get this car working.

Does anyone have any ideas where to procede from here?

Thanks for your help repairing this classic beauty.

Mark

 

Other than your radiator clogged.....I would replace the thermostat, could be opening at times and sticking at others, even a new one.

 

Thanks redbottle. I didn't think of the possibliblity of the thermostat failing intermittently. I will replace that and while the cooling system is drained should i flush the radiator with a hose and see if any gunk comes out?? After replacing the thermostat i will check the radiator for any cool spots and report back.

Any other comments or courses of action?

Thanks,

Mark