Author Topic: Radiator for 230SL  (Read 6279 times)

Charles 230SL

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Radiator for 230SL
« on: February 04, 2019, 20:20:10 »
hello all, looking for a new old stock (NOS) radiator, part no. 113-500-06-03. If you have any ideas or leads, I'd sure appreciate it.
thanks,,
« Last Edit: February 08, 2019, 00:08:15 by Charles 230SL »

Benz Dr.

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2019, 20:37:04 »
Auto or standard?
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Charles 230SL

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #2 on: February 04, 2019, 21:52:31 »
its a standard shift, thanks

cabrioletturbo

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2019, 02:59:29 »
I have used radiator, untested, for manual transmission. Let me know if you would consider via PM.
Igor
1965 W113 230SL, Ivory with Black

KevinC

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2019, 17:00:26 »
If Igor's radiator doesn't work out try Gernold at SL Tech...

http://www.sltechw113.com/parts.html

Charles 230SL

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #5 on: February 09, 2019, 00:44:01 »
thanks Kev, I just sent Gernold an email.


Charles 230SL

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2019, 04:38:41 »
I don't anticipate much luck finding a new (NOS) radiator so looks like I'll need to get mine re-cored.
Bud's Benz sells re-cored 'high-efficiency' radiators; https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/f-cooling/F232-001A.

Anyone in this group tried one of these?

Jordan

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2019, 12:35:20 »
You should be able to get yours re-cored for a lot less money.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

badali

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #8 on: February 10, 2019, 13:58:19 »
I had mine re-cored for $400.  The untested used ones I found were all close to $1000.
Brad

1961 220 Sb
1966 230 SL
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Vander

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #9 on: February 10, 2019, 23:42:49 »
I agree, $400-500 is probably the going rate for re-core. They paint it too, making it look brand new.
1969 280SL

Garry

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2019, 02:26:13 »
Just in the process of recoring mine in readiness for its 10,000 mile drive in the USA in a few months time.  I hope it is only 4-500 dollars
Garry Marks
Melbourne/ Kyneton, Brisbane. Australia
1969 MB 280SL 5 speed RHD SOLD.
1965 MB 230SL Auto RHD Lt Blue 334G, Top 350H, 213 Leather, Tourist Delivery.
1972 MB 280CE Auto RHD 906G Blue Grey
2005 MB A200.
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Charles 230SL

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2019, 03:29:54 »
you guys probably think I'm nuts but my primary concern is how the radiator fits after it's re-cored.

My present radiator fits perfectly between the baffle plates and if the tanks and brackets are not aligned/soldered correctly around the new core, I'll have to bend the baffles to accommodate the misalignment. I also have AC on the car and the condenser coil is mounted to the baffles.

I was hoping that whoever does the re-cores for Buds' would have done enough W113 radiators by now to know how to get it right the first time. I'm probably being too picky..

Atazman

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #12 on: February 11, 2019, 03:59:36 »
Just had mine re-cored and I had the same concerns.  Like you, I have A/C, so the fit has to be right.  Unless you are having them install a "thicker" core you will be fine.  I believe any competent radiator shop will make sure the critical dimensions are held tight.

Oh...... mine fit perfectly and I hope yours does too.
Don
67 250 Sl
(#3168) from Italy
5-speed/Posi/AC/Kinder

Charles 230SL

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2019, 00:09:59 »
thanks Don, that's good to hear.
I dropped the radiator off today and I'll keep my fingers crossed. thanks, Charles

Charles 230SL

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #14 on: February 17, 2019, 01:46:24 »
just an update,,,I picked up my re-cored radiator yesterday and it looks and fits great. The radiator shop installed a 3-row core and the total cost was $477.00 - not too bad.   

Atazman

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #15 on: February 17, 2019, 16:12:45 »
Great, Charles!  Thanks for the report.
Don
67 250 Sl
(#3168) from Italy
5-speed/Posi/AC/Kinder

Jordan

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #16 on: February 17, 2019, 20:02:41 »
just an update,,,I picked up my re-cored radiator yesterday and it looks and fits great. The radiator shop installed a 3-row core and the total cost was $477.00 - not too bad.   

You should get better cooling from the 3 row as well.  I know I did, but then I also replaced the water pump so that may have helped as well.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

Benz Dr.

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #17 on: February 17, 2019, 22:28:38 »
Some things are best rebuilt and other things are best replaced with a new part. Of course, most of this has to do with how serviceable any given part might be. A steering box you would have rebuilt; a drag link, not on your life.
Same thing goes for chrome plating. Door handles you would re-plate and a trunk star you would buy new. You can certainly have a used trunk star plated and it will never look right because all of the sharp edges will be removed during the buffing process. Much of this is a mater of cost and availability of any given part. 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Charles 230SL

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #18 on: February 18, 2019, 01:09:57 »
yes
« Last Edit: February 18, 2019, 15:40:32 by Charles 230SL »

x046866x

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #19 on: July 08, 2020, 11:34:58 »
Folks; How close to the flex fan did you mount your radiator?  At first I thought the closest possible would provide the optimum air-flow when stopped, but then was concerned the flex fan would...well...flex and rub against the radiator.

Thoughts?

BTW: Re-core is definitely the way to go!  About $500 and looks brand new...and already has the various dings underneath from 55+ years of various rocks and curb shots!  (dings look better when re-painted)

Cees Klumper

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Re: Radiator for 230SL
« Reply #20 on: July 08, 2020, 13:48:47 »
The original radiator in my '86 Nissan 300ZX was plugged up and no longer letting coolant flow through. Stayed completely cold when the engine was hot. Rather than replacing it ($280 for a good quality new one) or having it recored, I decided to try and run Barnacle Buster through it for a few hours while still in the car (for these cars you have to remove the front end to get the radiator out). Barnacle Buster is a descaling solution that is used in marine engine cooling systems and I had a couple of gallons sitting around from having used it on our boat's caterpillar 3208 turbodiesel engines. It worked like a charm, no more overheating on the highway.
So I believe we replace or have radiators re-cored, when all that is required is just a proper cleaning to remove calcium and other deposits.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II