There appeared to be no coolant in the engine oil, tests confirmed this.
But still each day all the water in the coolant reservoir bottle seen in the photo below was empty.
A pressure test revealed that there was a leak somewhere, especially when cold, the pressure dropped off fast.
Only one option left, strip down the engine and find the leak.
Mercedes Daimler MBE-4000 engine fitted to Freightliner.
The image below indicates the task at hand, Remove and replace 6 separate cylinder head and all ancillaries.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO FIND THE OFFICIAL DETROIT WEB REPAIR MANUAL.
After stripping down most of the ancillaries we found the results of a problem.
Coolant leaking between the engine block and the cylinder head gaskets.
All 6 Cylinder Heads removed and given a light clean to enable inspection.
New individual Cylinder Head gaskets - prior to installation.
6 Cylinder heads cleaned up for inspection.
This image shows condition of the block face, notice corrosion arround the water ports, poor and incorrect coolant would be a good diagnosis.
Had the coolant concentrate been correct, the engine block would never have corroded,
this would have prevented any future gasket failures.
My trustworthy assistant - My Daughter Meg helping prepare the block before we replace the cylinder heads.
Meg giving each cylinder head it's first stage torque as we assemble the top end.
Shortly after repairing this engine the owner sold the truck, we hope the repairs lasted for some time,
BUT
- Better coolant care could have spared the faces of the heads and the engine block.
- There is no real quick fix for corrosion damage.
- Long term and lasting repair requires the block and heads to be machined.
- Maintenance along with the correct coolant can save a lot of money and time.
- Choose Wisely!
