What kills an outdated Mercedes-Benz W140 with an inline-six diesel? Not a lot, usually talking. However hammering one down the Autobahn at full throttle for a number of minutes definitely does not assist. Ignoring a rising temperature gauge can be a good way to kill any engine, however to the credit score of the outdated S 350 featured on this video, it was nonetheless operating on the finish. Heck, it might not even be actually useless.
It is positively hurting, although. The tip of this clip from TopSpeedGermany on YouTube reveals an unhealthy cloud billowing from the engine bay, however not earlier than it powered a 1994 Mercedes-Benz S 350 to 115 mph on the high-speed freeway. That is the automotive’s prime velocity, so it should have not less than a few of its authentic 149 horsepower nonetheless in play. Nonetheless, the highest velocity comes on a downhill stretch after a very lengthy acceleration run. Supplied the motive force is certainly at full throttle coming into the freeway, we calculate 17 seconds accelerating to 100 kph … ranging from 60. The diesel Merc was by no means a velocity demon, however that is exceedingly sluggish.
So far as we are able to inform, the throttle stays pinned for a number of minutes till we lastly see 185 kph (115 mph) on the speedo. The engine is held close to most RPM for practically a minute when whisps of smoke begin showing. Regulate the temperature gauge, situated left of the speedometer. It rises steadily all through the run, maxing out simply because the smoke present begins, at which level the motive force lifts. That is additionally after we see the coolant warning mild illuminate on the sprint.
The sound high quality is not adequate to hear for particular rattles, however the engine continues to be operating when the motive force pulls over after exiting the freeway. And the smoke we see appears like steam, so the failure could possibly be one thing so simple as a busted coolant hose. Nonetheless, seeing the temperature spike and the laborious use main as much as the failure, we suspect one thing extra dire occurred contained in the mill.
So here is a prime tip. Should you’re setting out for a velocity run in an outdated automotive on an unrestricted freeway, it is most likely a good suggestion to control the gauges.
