300SE (140.032) L6-3.2L (104.990) (1992)
Coolant: Service Precautions
AH20.00-N-2080-01A Notes On Coolant
Coolant composition
Passenger car and commercial vehicle engines (normally):
50% water by volume and
50% anticorrosion/antifreeze agent by volume.
Different coolant composition for CV engines, refer to MB Specifications for Operating Fluids.
Tasks of anticorrosion/antifreeze agent
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Corrosion and cavitation protection for all components in cooling system.
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Antifreeze protection (frost protection).
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Increase the boiling point so that coolant does not evaporate so rapidly. Avoiding ejection of coolant at high coolant temperatures.
Water
Use water which is clean and not too hard. Drinking water often satisfies requirements, but not always. The amount of dissolved substances in the water
may be of significance for the occurrence of corrosion. If in doubt, analyze the water.
For fresh water specifications refer to MB Specifications for Operating Fluids.
Period of use
The maximum permissible period of use of the coolant is given in the maintenance booklet, the applicable "Service/Maintenance Sheet" or the
MB-Specifications for Operating Fluids.
For the period of use for a varying coolant composition for CV engines, refer to MB Specifications for Operating Fluids.
Before pouring in fresh coolant, flush the used coolant out of the cooling system. In the case of severe fouling by dirt or oil, clean the cooling system
otherwise components of the cooling system can be damaged.
Antifreeze protection
50% anticorrosion/antifreeze agent by volume provides antifreeze protection down to approx. -37 °C. A higher concentration is only necessary if the
ambient temperatures are even lower. 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze agent by volume provides antifreeze protection down to approx. -45 °C.
A concentration of more than 55% anticorrosion/antifreeze agent by volume should not be used as the maximum antifreeze protection is already reached
at this concentration. An even higher concentration once reduces antifreeze protection and impairs heat dissipation. Reduced heat dissipation can result
in damage to components of the cooling system and to the engine.
Disposing of coolants
Observe the legal provisions and local waste water regulations.