78 450SL engine temp & flasher question

[Davidpaulryan]

I just purchased a 1978 450SL from my brotherthat has 137,000 miles on it, he didn't drive the car for over 3 years and it just sat.... So here are a couple questions from this new MB owner, first when I drove it from upstate NY to Baltimore it seemed to run HOT the whole trip, I'd say between 175 and 200, I don't know what is normal for this car, but it just didn't seem to look right, First, what is the NORMAL running temp for this car, and what steps should I take to get it there. Second the directionals don't work, when I go to put on the turn signal the light goes on, but all it does is BUZZ, the same think happens with the 4 way flashers, What do I need to correct this problem....Thanks in Advance

[GeorgeMurphy]

I just purchased a 1978 450SL from my brotherthat has 137,000 miles on it, he didn't drive the car for over 3 years and it just sat.... So here are a couple questions from this new MB owner, first when I drove it from upstate NY to Baltimore it seemed to run HOT the whole trip, I'd say between 175 and 200, I don't know what is normal for this car, but it just didn't seem to look right, First, what is the NORMAL running temp for this car, and what steps should I take to get it there. Second the directionals don't work, when I go to put on the turn signal the light goes on, but all it does is BUZZ, the same think happens with the 4 way flashers, What do I need to correct this problem....Thanks in Advance

Not to worry - 175F to 200F is NORMAL - no engine should be operated at less than 175F - diesel or gasoline . . .as long as temp indicator does not go to RED mark and stay there no harm will come - read your owner's manual . . .

Keep exercising the hazard flasher - it may come back to life after awhile - sitting so long was not goos for it - otherwise buy a new flasher . . .

[Don350SDL]

As George said, that's normal.

If the temperature gauge is calibrated in celsius, then 80 is the coolest I'd call normal, red is at 120 or so - literally anything in between is fine. Most cars like to be between 80 (cold weather) and 110 (summer traffic), averaging 95 or so.

If your car is in Fahrenheit, do the conversion & you'll see what i mean.

Don