STUMPED! Please Help < jf987 > 09/06/09 10:24

Hello,

I have a 1982 Mercedes Benz Turbo Diesel that is overheating.

the coolant disappears at a very quick rate, BUT there doesn't appear to be a leak in any of the hoses. My clutch for the fan was broken and that was fixed/replaced.

Also, there is highly pressurized steam that comes out from teh coolant container when the car runs (another indication that i don't think i have a leak in a hose somewhere).

I thought it might be a problem with the thermostat, but upon examination saw that it was not there...also, the coolant is not to flowing (when i started the car with the thermostat casing off, there was a spot where coolant was exposed and just sitting there, and (depending upon the direction of flow) theoretically should have shot outward or been sucked inward. it just sat there. this is when we thought it might be a problem with the water pump, however the water pump seems fine.

it does not appear to have any indications of a blown or cracked head gasket (no water/coolant in the oil, no milky appearance,etc). i'm stumped. i don't know.

even without a thermostat, shouldn't the coolant flow? or do i absolutely have to have a thermostat? where is the coolant disappearing to? is there something i might be overlooking?

any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated