Doncaster34 Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 Greetings everyone, I have been investigating a sporadic substantial coolant leak in my 2012 S212. It has been retaining coolant enough, but then it abruptly depletes within approximately three miles. There is no evidence, no indication, and no observable leaks, which has left me perplexed. Upon parking yesterday, the 'fill up coolant' warning light illuminated, despite the coolant level being adequate before to commencing an hour-long journey. A substantial coolant trail was present up the driveway, and upon opening the hood, coolant was observed gushing from the windscreen washer bottle breather hole. I have never encountered that previously. It was all coolant, both in hue and temperature, and indeed it was completely the windscreen wash reservoir. I was unaware that those systems were interconnected; nonetheless, upon investigation, I observed a metal coil extending from the top of the bottle, with two lines within. Many online resources indicate that this is an automatic gearbox, so I sincerely hope that is incorrect; otherwise, my gearbox may be contaminated with coolant. However, I believe it is water coolant intended for heating the washer jets. Is it possible to replace the coil exchanger without removing the bottle? I do not reside in the Arctic; thus, can I just connect the hoses to facilitate recirculation without discharging the coolant into the reservoir? All recommendations are appreciated. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD1too Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 If the metal pipes are indeed present leading to the screenwash reservoir, you have the choice for heating. The coolant circulates across the pipe, preventing the screenwash from freezing. It appears to have developed a leak from the metal tubing. I do not remember ever encountering one on a 212. Previously prevalent on 211 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SD1too Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 One can simply connect the hoses for a rapid emergency repair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doncaster34 Posted May 8 Author Share Posted May 8 That is excellent; thank you for that. I have removed the inner wheel protection, and indeed, there is a white cover with two metal L-shaped tubes attached, connected to narrow hoses. Not the ones connected to the pumps, although those are present as well. I observed US vids on the E350, which displayed the complete tube system, including the two metal L tubes extending into the white cap. I am quite convinced that it is that. The fluid in the windscreen reservoir is clearly coolant. I am attempting to determine how to gain access to them currently and whether I can achieve this from behind the headlight unit, provided I can remove it. One is easily accessible on the wheel side of the reservoir, while the other is concealed behind the bumper. I am attempting to determine if I can access the headlamp without removing the entire reservoir and disconnecting all the grommets and pump connections; but, I fear I will ultimately have to do so regardless. Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doncaster34 Posted May 8 Author Share Posted May 8 Upon inspection, I have observed on the passenger side (UK) that there is a lever located behind the strut, which appears to be a ride height adjustment lever with a spherical end. However, it is not affixed to anything. I assume that a connector at the end has been lost for quite some time, as evidenced by the accumulation of debris. The lever was fully elevated, and I cannot ascertain its significance. The lever ride height sensor indicates that the vehicle is operating at a significantly low elevation, which appears to be accurate. Does the lever being fully elevated and rigid activate the compressor? Please inform me if it is inappropriate to alter the direction of this discussion in this post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doncaster34 Posted May 8 Author Share Posted May 8 I have finally relinquished the reservoir. It was intricate but not as difficult as it appeared. Rather than connecting the tubes for a temporary solution, why not seal both ends? I lack a connecting metal component and am considering temporarily obstructing both ends. It is my understanding that not all E250 models include this feature, hence obstructing this coolant flow channel does not appear to be disastrous. I acknowledge it is a makeshift solution, although I do not believe it is excessively flawed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
another_clean_sheet Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 Unless you possess certain knowledge to the contrary, connect the pipes rather than obstruct them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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