Hi Scotty, I have a 1999 Mercedes CL500 with 215k miles. I’ve continued scheduled maintenance by an independent euro repair shop for years. Suddenly the car started over heating but has no coolant leaks and the clutch fan is spinning. What should I consider if I try to repair myself?
Thanks Dew
Under what conditions is it overheating?
To start with you might check low-hanging fruit like stuck thermostat, clogged radiator, and bad water pump impeller.
AFAIK you can feel at the coolant hoses (warm/hot or not) leading to the radiator, if the hot coolant circulates as it should.
In a small circulation (thermostat closed) or in a big circulation -going through the radiator- (thermostat open).
The latter situation is what you want after the warming-up period following the cold start.
When that is not the case, engine temp will rise to unhealthy levels, endangering your head gasket(s), which is not good for the $$ in your pocket...
