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Re: Water pump is toast . Should I ... ? Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Water pump is toast . Should I ... ?, Cannonball, Wed, 30 Oct 2002 20:18:54 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Definately replace the thermostat. It should be replaced every 2-3 years. It's a moving part, and they do wear out.
I prefer the cooler (82C) thermostat to the stock (87C). Unless you live in a very cold climate, you won't notice the difference in winter heater output. You will notice a nice difference in the summer. To do the job completely, replace the radiator fan thermoswitch with a 82C unit, also.
Don't get the thermostat from an autoparts store. Saab uses a special thermostat. You might get the right one from the local Moto-Mart, but then again, you might not. You don't want to do this job again in a few days. Either pony up the money from a dealer (it isn't that much), or mail order it from any of the folks that advertise on this BB (see the bottom of the page). Most can also sell you a cooler radiator fan thermoswitch.
The thermostat goes in with the little hole UP. This is necessary for the system to self-bleed.
Yes, Merc anti-freeze is pretty pricey. Many folks sing its praises, and the well-respected Townsend folks swear by it. It ain't cheap, but it's a lot cheaper than a clogged cooling system.
I don't use Merc anti-freeze. I use Prestone. But I also make sure I flush it every two years. It's my belief that you could probably leave the Mercedes coolant in longer. This is the same approach I take to motor oil - synthetic is demonstrably better, but a good conventional oil flushed regularly is pretty damn well as good.
If you want to leave the coolant in for a while, stick with the Mercedes. Prestone is fine as long as you flush it regularly.
Of course, you're replacing the belts at the same time. And spin all the idler pulleys, to make sure the bearings are in good shape.
posted by 192.249....
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