Symptoms
Temperature creeping up on climbs or in traffic, weeping radiator end tanks, coolant smelling of oil. These engines warp heads when they overheat.
The fix, step by step
- Replace the radiator before it fails.
- An old one is likely clogged, and overheated iron-block, alloy-head engines warp their heads.
- Fit a new thermostat and hoses, check the fan and its shroud, and pressure-test the system.
- Aluminium W460 radiators are made in manual-gearbox and automatic versions; the automatic version has the transmission cooler.
Tools & part numbers
- Radiator 001 501 07 01 (aluminium versions for manual or automatic)
- thermostat 110 200 05 15
- engine-specific hoses and fan shroud
- 300 GD late water pump 616 200 07 20 if weeping
- pressure tester
Where to buy the parts
Aluminium radiator — W460 (manual)Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Thermostat 87 °C 110 200 05 15Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Water pump — 300 GD late 616 200 07 20Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Radiator cap 461 501 00 15Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz G-Class W460 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.